Arthritis is a generic term for conditions that are characterized by swelling, soreness, and diminished mobility on one or more joints. With symptoms that typically worsen as one gets older, arthritis is one of the leading causes of age-related disability. The good news is that chiropractic care has shown great promise in managing a number of arthritic disorders. Let’s highlight a few examples.
Osteoarthritis (OA)
By far, the most prevalent form of arthritis, osteoarthritis, is a degenerative condition that results from the normal wear and tears that joints suffer from age. The cartilage that separates adjoining bones is abraded to a point where it’s practically non-existent. Once this cushion wears out, the joint is bound to suffer more friction, leading to loss of mobility and pain.
OA generally affects large weight-bearing joints: shoulders, hips, knees, hands, and, more commonly, the spine. Its impact can be mitigated to some extent through positive lifestyle changes like losing weight and exercise. But if you want nothing less than effective relief, chiropractic is your best bet. Chiropractic care for OA includes special adjustments that reduce friction around the affected joint(s), in addition to restoring alignment. Your DC could also administer additional therapies to alleviate the pain caused by the loss of cartilage.
Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA)
Though not nearly as prevalent as OA, psoriatic arthritis can be more debilitating than the former. That’s because it consolidates two inflammatory disorders; psoriasis and arthritis. Patients experience the skin abnormalities associated with psoriasis, along with “standard” arthritic symptoms like joint pain and stiffness.
Chiropractic care is quite effective in addressing the inflammation that often triggers PsA. But individuals who have the full-blown condition can also benefit nonetheless. Chiropractic adjustments can help in restoring circulation around affected joints, in addition to improving nerve communication. This should provide relief from soreness, swelling, and other inflammatory symptoms.
For what it’s worth, your chiropractor will only perform adjustments after examining your condition. You’ll hardly be subjected to any uncomfortable treatments. Furthermore, your DC will recommend dietary improvements to keep you clear of foods that might have aggravated your symptoms in the past.
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
Much like PsA, rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder, a condition where an overactive immune system attacks the body’s own healthy tissues. RA is the result of the immune system attacking the synovium (a thin membrane that lines joints). This leads to a buildup of fluid within the joint, which in turn results in soreness and other unbearable symptoms.
Now, while rheumatoid arthritis doesn’t have a cure as yet, chiropractic therapy can help mitigate its impact on one’s life in several ways:
- Optimizing nervous system function: Chiropractic adjustments have proven effective in streamlining communication along the spinal cord and other elements of the nervous system. Although this doesn’t specifically address immune malfunction, it helps in eliminating anomalies that may trigger an unnecessary response.
- Restoring mobility: Nothing beats chiro therapy when it comes to tackling mobility problems around joints. Regular sessions with your DC will prevent the loss of joint function, and could very well put you in a position to move around freely once again.
- Alleviating inflammation: As highlighted before, chiropractic adjustments can address the inflammatory processes that play a key role in the worsening of rheumatoid arthritis.
In a nutshell, chiropractic care can be the key to a less inhibited, more bearable, and more fruitful life for individuals suffering from arthritis. Get in touch with a qualified doctor of chiropractic in your location if you’re interested.