Arthritis is a pervasive problem in society today. In fact, most people over the age of 40 will experience arthritis in at least one joint, if not multiple. For this reason, it’s critical that we all find ways to reduce the symptoms of this troublesome condition before it gets worse and prevents us from enjoying life.
In this article, we will touch on some of the major concepts surrounding arthritis and show how your local chiropractor can help you deal with this issue through the use of simple, tried-and-true treatment methods.
What Is Arthritis?
Put simply, arthritis is joint inflammation caused by a decreased amount of space between two bones.
To make matters more confusing, there are many different types of arthritis. For instance,
- Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition.
- Gouty arthritis is a form of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid.
- Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, caused by wear and tear.
While each of these conditions is distinct from one another and requires a targeted approach, they all lead to similar symptoms, such as pain and deterioration of the joints.
For the purposes of this article, we will primarily discuss osteoarthritis. Therefore, in this post, when you see the term “arthritis”, know that it is being used interchangeably with “osteoarthritis”.
What are the Conventional Treatment Approaches for Arthritis?
If you go to see your doctor about an arthritic joint, you’re likely to get some standard advice.
Specifically, your doctor will probably examine the joint in question, determine the degree of arthritis, and recommend that you either trial:
- Guided exercise.
- Rest, combined with pain-relieving medication, and moist heat or ice.
- Surgery (joint replacement).
To be fair, sometimes one or all of the above suggestions can be life-changing for patients. By simply implementing some extra rest, warming up for longer before activity, and completing stretching exercises, some patients will effectively “cure” their arthritis. However, this isn’t the case for most people.
Unfortunately, few doctors will ever suggest chiropractic care to their patients. This is problematic, as chiropractors can help arthritis sufferers in many different ways.
Top 3 Ways Chiropractors can Alleviate Arthritis Symptoms
Chiropractic treatments provide so many benefits to patients. In this section, we’ll outline the three main benefits these professionals provide to those who have been dealing with arthritis.
Chiropractic Effect on Arthritis #1: Reduced Pain
First and foremost, chiropractic treatments generally provide significant pain relief for arthritis sufferers.
This is true regardless of which joint is affecting the patient, as spinal manipulations help to improve blood flow and healing for all areas of the body.
Chiropractic Effect on Arthritis #2: Improved Range of Motion
By targeting the spine with adjustment techniques, chiropractors can often help patients enjoy an improved range of motion. Through chiropractic care, spinal joints are safely guided back into proper alignment, allowing all joints of the body to move as they are supposed to.
Chiropractic Effect on Arthritis #3: Improving Body Awareness
A lack of proprioception (body awareness) is one of the major issues that can compound arthritis symptoms. Spinal manipulations can act to improve proprioception. This, in turn, generally leads to better body mechanics and reduced strain on the joints.
Are you dealing with arthritis that seems to keep getting worse no matter what you do? This is a common problem for millions of people around the world, and conventional wisdom often fails to help.
If you’re looking for relief from your arthritis symptoms, consider contacting your Plano, TX chiropractor at Keystone Chiropractic today. We will help you get your life back! Book your appointment now!
