Exploring the use of nutritional supplementation and nutrition education in the chiropractic management of osteoarthritis amongst practising chiropractors in South Africa

Abstract

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common form of arthritis causing chronic joint pain and stiffness. Chiropractors treat this condition, provide detailed treatment plans, nutritional counselling, and weight management advice to reduce pain and increase joint mobility. The aim of this study was to explore the use of nutritional supplementation and education in the management of osteoarthritis by selected chiropractors in South Africa. Using a qualitative exploratory design, semi-structured in-depth interviews were conduct with 12 registered chiropractors in South Africa via online platform. Practitioners were able to collaborate with other healthcare professionals to further improve patients’ health outcomes. The findings indicate the importance of nutrition education and supplementation, in conjunction with chiropractic care, for effective management of patients with OA. Patients showed greater improvement outcomes when the two modalities were combined. Therefore, it is necessary that not only chiropractors, but all healthcare professionals include the use of nutritional supplementation in their care and educate patients on the long-term effects and importance of nutrition for reduced symptoms to better manage their OA conditions.