When joint pain strikes, arthritis is frequently to blame. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly one in five US adults, or about 53.2 million people, were diagnosed with arthritis between 2019 and 2021.
Arthritis encompasses various joint pain and inflammation conditions, resulting in swelling, stiffness, and limited mobility. Our blog aims to deepen your understanding of arthritis, explore treatment options, and delve into holistic approaches for pain relief.
What is Arthritis?
Arthritis is a medical condition characterized by inflammation and stiffness in the joints. It encompasses a range of disorders that affect the joints, leading to symptoms such as pain, swelling, and reduced mobility.
Arthritis manifests in two primary forms: osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Osteoarthritis, often called the “arthritis of wear and tear,” occurs when protective cartilage within joints diminishes over time due to friction and wear. Commonly affecting weight-bearing joints like hips, knees, and the spine, this type of arthritis predominantly afflicts older adults, leading to stiffness, pain, and restricted range of motion.
On the other hand, rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system mistakenly targets the synovium, the membrane lining surrounding joints. This results in inflammation, pain, and joint damage, impacting symmetrical joints such as knees, fingers, and wrists.
Symptoms of Arthritis
Arthritis symptoms vary from person to person, ranging from mild to severe. Common symptoms include:
- Joint pain: Arthritis often causes dull, sharp, or aching pain, typically worsening with physical activity.
- Stiffness: Joints may feel stiff and restricted during periods of rest and inactivity.
- Reduced range of motion: Pain and stiffness can limit movement, making physical activities challenging.
- Swelling: Wear and tear on joints can lead to swelling and warmth in the affected area, sometimes altering its appearance.
- Tenderness: Inflammation makes the joint tender to the touch, causing discomfort upon contact.
- Flares: Symptoms may intensify in episodes known as flares, causing significant pain and discomfort.
Treatment for Arthritis
Chiropractic care offers hands-on therapy to alleviate joint pain. Chiropractors, trained in treating musculoskeletal disorders, provide spinal adjustments and manipulations to ease pain and discomfort from arthritis.
These non-invasive treatments benefit arthritis patients, promoting joint mobility and pain relief. Additionally, chiropractors recommend exercise programs to strengthen muscles and advocate for dietary and lifestyle changes crucial for arthritis management.
Chiropractic Care Benefits
Reduce Inflammation
Chiropractic care targets inflammation in affected joints through precise manipulation and alignment of the spine and joints. By restoring equilibrium to the body’s function, it decreases the production of inflammatory proteins, fostering overall well-being and mitigating factors contributing to joint inflammation.
Pain Relief
Chiropractic adjustments alleviate pain by reducing muscle tension and enhancing joint mobility. These adjustments trigger the release of endorphins, the body’s natural pain-relieving hormones, providing additional pain relief.
Improved blood flow to affected joints and surrounding tissues further enhances healing processes, making chiropractic care a comprehensive approach to discomfort relief and overall musculoskeletal well-being.
Holistic Treatment Approach
Chiropractors develop individualized treatment plans that include manual adjustments, physical exercise, lifestyle recommendations, and dietary plans.
These personalized plans consider the patient’s medical history, condition, and symptoms. Beyond pain management, chiropractic care improves physical and mental health, offering holistic benefits for overall well-being.
Finding a Chiropractor for Arthritis Pain
When treating rheumatoid arthritis, a holistic approach encompassing medications, physical therapy, and dietary/lifestyle changes is essential. Chiropractors play a crucial role in managing arthritis symptoms.
LifeClinic’s holistic treatment approach addresses your pain symptoms, empowering you to live fully. Beyond pain relief, we optimize your body’s function, enabling you to embrace life fully. With experienced chiropractors and physical therapists, we tailor a path to wellness and recovery based on your individual needs.
Choose recovery that champions your well-being. Book a free consultation with LifeClinic today to begin your journey.
