Does Chiropractic Care Reduce Arthritis Pain?
Introduction
Arthritis is generally confusing to most patients.Often the word, “arthritis,” inspires images of a future that includes crippled and twisted joints. But, many conditions from benign to severe are listed under the term, arthritis. For our purposes we will limit this analysis to the most common forms of arthritis.
Osteoarthritis and Chiropractic Care
The most common form of arthritis has many terms: osteoarthritis, degenerative arthritis, degenerative joint disease (DJD), and spondylosis if it is in the spine. This form of arthritis is not limited to humans, but occurs in all mammals, and is due to the deterioration of the cartilage that protects the joint surfaces. When joint cartilage is damaged, the sensitive bone tissue that is usually guarded by the cartilage becomes stressed causing degenerative changes in the joint. Now and then, osteophytes, or bone spurs, can ensue when the bone around the joint proliferates. Bone spurs cause painful hypersensitivity to other tissues surrounding the joint exacerbating the already grievous condition.
Degenerative joints most often occur in the lower neck and lower back, the knees, hips, and fingers. Previous trauma, certain occupations and activities, weight, diet, and heredity all appear to impact both the onset and severity of DJD.
The symptoms of DJD perpetually involve some degree of pain and/or stiffness in the body part involved. If the weight-bearing joints, such as the hips or knees are involved, ones mobility can be affected notably in the more advanced stages of the condition. As a last resort joints can be surgically replaced with synthetic devices. This should be done only in severe cases where the joint is sufficiently worn and movement is intolerable due to severe pain.
The best management of DJD is, of course, prevention that involves taking care of ones joints at an early age.
- One should always be certain that, especially when young, all injuries to joints are correctly managed to insure proper healing to avoid future disability.
- People involved in occupations that require standing or walking should wear appropriate shoes that provide good support and shock absorption.
- Weight loss through proper diet will help to decrease stress on weight-bearing body joints.
- Avoid kneeling on hard surfaces, such as when doing housework, as this can put strain and create knee pain.
- Eat a diet high in fruits and vegetables as they include natural vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that are crucial for the health of the joints, as well as the rest of the body.
Recently there have been some studies that show that the nutritional supplement, Glucosamine, can help with DJD and can possibly help rebuild joint cartilage. However, it must be used over time and does not work in all conditions.
Chiropractic adjustments are not only sound, but an effective treatment for arthritis, and can aid in the restoration of proper mobility and function to the spinal joints, thereby giving patients great relief. Your Chicago chiropractor has many of years of training in helping people with arthritis pain. Other forms of chiropractic care may include joint mobilization, massage, ultrasound, cold laser, or electro-therapy, all of which may be helpful in the relief of painful and stiff joints. Occasionally, a brace is required to stabilize the joint and relieve pain. Movement is vital to the maintenance of arthritic joints. A chiropractor often suggests gentle, mobilizing activities such as stretching, yoga, and tai chi can be beneficial.
Gout
An increased level of uric acid in the blood and the deposition of uric acid crystals in the joints produce gouty arthritis. The most common joints are the big toes, the knees, ankles and wrists, and is often characterized by acute pain and swelling. A large number of people who develop gout are predisposed through heredity, though episodes are generally brought on by binge eating of inflammatory foods, when dehydrated or fasting, or after a major surgery or illness. Foods that need to be avoided include a natural substance called Purines that are metabolized in the liver to form uric acid. Individuals with this condition cannot properly metabolize uric acid, thus the buildup in the bloodstream and the subsequent joint problems. The foods most correlated with high purine content are: red meat especially organ meat, certain seafood, legumes, mushrooms and other foods as well. There are other dietary restrictions that must be followed including avoiding alcohol.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease of systemic origin. The direct cause is not known, but it is thought to be due to a problem with the immune system. The most common joints affected are the small joints of the hands and fingers, the feet, knees, and shoulder, while other areas of the body can be affected as well. The condition is most often associated with morning stiffness that is aggravated by motion. Additional symptoms can include general malaise and fatigue, and in its more advanced stages other systems of the body may be affected. There are particularized blood tests to help identify Rheumatoid arthritis that can be easily run. Though, currently, there is no cure, in addition to medication and vitamin and diet therapy, treatment should include chiropractic treatments to mobilize joints and help to relieve the pain and stiffness accompanying this disease. Additional modalities such as ultrasound, heat, electro-therapy, and massage may also be beneficial. Your Chicago chiropractor is dedicated to helping individuals in getting relief from the pain and suffering associated with arthritis.
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Tagged with: Arthritis • Chicago chiropractor • joint pain • joint swelling • pain relief
Filed under: Alternative Therapies
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