Arthritis is a common, yet misunderstood condition. It is an inflammation of at least one joint – often multiple joints – that results in discomfort, pain, and stiffness in the affected joints and body. Common symptoms include joint pain, swelling, decreased range of motion, and stiffness. Arthritis isn’t a single disease. There are over 100 different kinds and severities of the disease making it a leading cause of disability in Americans. However, there are two main types of arthritis that can benefit from routine chiropractic treatments – osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Chiropractic treatments are a great way to relieve and manage pain resulting from arthritis. It is non-invasive, safe, and non-addictive. Chiropractors deliver gentle adjustments to reduce misalignments and joint restrictions in the joints and spine to reduce inflammation and improve function of the affected nerves and joints. By improving nervous system function and joint mobility, your body can better manage the symptoms of arthritis.
Together, we will create a personalized treatment plan catered to YOUR body, YOUR pain points and YOUR speed. What is right for one won’t be right for another. We specialize in the following methods to create a customized treatment plan.
Because chiropractors concentrate on skeletal and neuromuscular treatment, they can often manage symptoms of arthritis effectively. Chiropractors may use gentle spinal manipulation to relieve pressure on the spine and joints and restore blood and nerve flow to all areas of the body. This decreases pain and increases range of motion.
Therapeutic massage reduces muscle tension, improves circulation, reduces cortisol, and releases stress–all of which produce the additional benefit of reducing pain. Types of therapeutic massage that may be used for arthritis include trigger point massage and deep tissue massage. Trigger point massage relieves areas of tension in specific points of the body that may be causing pain in other areas of the body. Deep tissue massage uses heavy, slow movements targeted to muscles to loosen fascia below the surface of the skin.
Cartilage is a flexible, but firm connective tissue inside the joints. It absorbs pressure and shock that is created when joints are moved. A reduction in the normal amounts of cartilage results in some types of arthritis. Osteoarthritis is the result of normal wear and tear and is one of the most common types of arthritis. Injury or infection to a joint can exacerbate the natural breakdown of cartilage.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a form of arthritis caused by an autoimmune disorder. This is when the body’s immune system attacks the tissue of the body. These attacks impact the synovium, or soft tissue in the joints that produces fluid that lubricates the joints and nourishes cartilage. This can eventually lead to the destruction of cartilage and bone inside the joint.
Depending on the type of arthritis, symptoms and signs of the disease may include pain, swelling, stiffness, redness, warmth, and decreased range of motion in the affected joints. Symptoms are often worse in the morning, especially with rheumatoid arthritis. People with rheumatoid arthritis may also experience loss of appetite and feel tired due to the inflammation caused by the immune system.
Yes, chiropractors can diagnose arthritis through a combination of pain location, physical examination, and assessment of your symptoms. Your chiropractor may also order x-rays to confirm the diagnosis or determine the amount of joint damage involved. An MRI may be used to determine cartilage damage.
Arthritis can’t be cured, but the symptoms can be managed. Chiropractic treatment for arthritis involves a variety of modalities to decrease inflammation, improve range of motion and flexibility, and decrease pain without the use of medications or surgery.
Chiropractors are trained to evaluate where pain is coming from using a history of your symptoms and a physical exam. They can determine if pain is caused by only one area or a combination of multiple problem areas. They may use evaluation, x-rays, muscle testing, or orthopedic tests to narrow down the source of the pain.
Conventional treatments for arthritis typically include anti-inflammatory medications which don’t improve your joint function or stop the progression of the disease. Chiropractic is a drug-free way to treat your symptoms. While it may not stop arthritis, it can improve joint and muscle function, therefore relieving symptoms and improving overall function.
If you are experiencing pain due to arthritis, our office may be the solution to pain relief you are looking for. Our team of chiropractors and pain management staff is ready to help you find the relief you need to get back to your normal daily activities. To learn more contact us today.
