Arthritis

Warning Symptoms

The warning signs of arthritis include:

• Pain that occurs during or after movement, after extended periods of non-activity, or with change in weather.
• Joints may become progressively stiffer and difficult to move.
• Skin around joints may appear red, swollen, and warm to the touch
• Numbness, tingling, weakness and burning.

Chiropractors Treat Arthritis?

Absolutely! Arthritis is probably the number one condition Chiropractors treat. Over 50,000,000 people in the U.S. suffer from arthritis. Arthritis is a general term used to describe more than 100 chronic diseases of the joints, bones and muscles. The two most common types are Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis.

Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes painful and often disabling joint inflammation.

Osteoarthritis is a wear and tear disease which wears away the cushioning cartilage in the joints. It can cause discs to wear out and bone to change its shape. It mostly affects weight bearing joints of the body like knees, hips, low back and the neck. It can be caused by injury or wear and tear on the joints. It develops when abnormal stress—i.e. being out of alignment—is put on a joint. It can also come from trauma to a joint such as a car accident or can come from many small injuries. Poor posture is a major cause of arthritis because it puts abnormal stress or weight on joints.

Chiropractic Care Helps

According to a study cited by the Arthritis Foundation, chiropractic adjustment may reduce the pain of osteoarthritis and improve joint function. Another survey done in 1999 found that 73% of the participants found chiropractic helpful. Chiropractic ranked the highest in terms of patient satisfaction. Another study found that elderly patients who received chiropractic care were less likely to suffer from arthritis and had greater mobility than those who did not. Other studies have found that chiropractic geriatric patients are less likely to have been hospitalized, less likely to have used a nursing home, more likely to exercise vigorously, and more likely to be mobile in the community.

How Chiropractic Helps

Chiropractic adjustment helps by improving joint mobility. Balancing posture restores the normal position of the joints and spine, relieving physical stresses on the joints. Improved mobility and alignment provides the joints a chance to heal naturally. Better spinal balance and mobility prevents and alleviates arthritis in the spine and in weight-bearing joints such as hips, knees, and ankles. This gently opens up the joints to take the stress off the nerves and thus relieves the pain. Chiropractic relieves the symptoms of arthritis and alleviates the cause without the use of drugs or surgery.

Other Methods of Prevention

Increasing the range of motion in the joint takes effort, and is counter-intuitive. However, normal range of motion is necessary for proper circulation and repair of joints. By increasing range of motion and flexibility throughout your body you are minimizing your chances of arthritis later in life. Proper nutrition can also help. Some people find that eliminating foods in the night shade group help. These foods include tomatoes, potatoes, egg plant, and bell peppers. Physical exercise also relieves symptoms as it strengthens bones, muscles and joints, increases flexibility, prevents joint deformities, improves the immune system, and reduces stress. Losing excess weight puts less stress on the joints.

Call GetBack Chiropractic at (408) 730-1991 today for an examination to see if Chiropractic can help you, or contact us by e-mail.