Should You Get Chiropractic Treatment for Your Arthritis?
Arthritis is a disease affecting millions of people and disturbing their routine and quality of life, preventing them from doing things they love. It is a condition arising from the inflammation of one or more joints and is associated with stiffness, pain, discomfort, reduced mobility, and swelling. Several people take different prescribed medications to alleviate the pain. But, these medicines may lead to serious side effects.
Arthritis and chiropractic care
A natural, safe, and non-invasive way to manage arthritis symptoms and relieve pain is chiropractic care. Arthritis ranges in type and severity. The two main types of arthritis that chiropractic care can provide relief from are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Chiropractors use various techniques and chiropractic adjustments to reduce misalignments and restrictions in the joints to improve functionality and decrease inflammation.
Before administering any treatment for fully restoring the movement and function of the body, the chiropractor performs various tests, takes X-rays, and asks for a detailed medical history to suggest appropriate chiropractic adjustments best suited to the specific condition.
Osteoarthritis
As people age, the cartilage that cushions the joints wears down, leading to a degenerative joint disease known as osteoarthritis. It usually occurs in the knees, spine, hips, and fingers joints and is common in older individuals aged 60 and above. It is the primary cause of joint pain and a commonly found arthritis type in people. Athletes or people with jobs involving repetitive motion are at risk of developing osteoarthritis. Chiropractic care works to mobilize the joints and relieve the pressure to alleviate pain. However, it cannot restore the lost cartilage.
Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is the result of inflammation in the joints and their surrounding tissues. It is an autoimmune disease that involves the immune system attacking the body's tissues. Reduction in joint fluid and tissue leads to friction that causes swelling and severe pain. Spine misalignments only worsen the problem. Chiropractic adjustments restore nerve communication allowing proper functioning of the body, reducing inflammation, and alleviating pain and other symptoms.
Benefits of chiropractic care for arthritis
All arthritis patients, irrespective of their age, can benefit immensely from chiropractic care. It provides:
Better flexibility
Improved mobility and motion range
Reduction in pain and discomfort
Reduced inflammation
Lifestyle improvements
Is it safe for patients with arthritis to visit a chiropractor?
Several people wonder if chiropractic care is a safe treatment option for arthritis. It is a treatment option considered much safer than taking medications or going for invasive surgeries.
While chiropractic care is one of the safest therapies to treat osteoarthritis, it's crucial to exercise caution in treating inflammatory conditions like psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and spondylitis. People should avoid using chiropractic care for joints with active swelling. Chiropractors need to determine the body's condition to decide the best treatment option.
Chiropractic adjustments are used in conjunction with other treatment forms, including:
Ultrasound for reducing swelling through joint massage
Infrared sauna for increasing circulation and alleviating pain with controlled heat
Electrotherapy treatments for stimulating muscles and nerves for treating soft tissues
Low-level laser for reducing inflammation
Learn more about chiropractic care for your arthritis
Chiropractic care can improve the overall health and wellness of an individual experiencing arthritic pain. Visit a local chiropractor if you have arthritis to discuss your symptoms and learn how chiropractic care can help reduce your pain and discomfort.
