Arthritis
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What Is Arthritis?
Arthritis is characterized by the swelling or inflammation of one or more joints, and there are more than 100 different types of arthritis that generate pain-causing inflammation in the joints. Diseases that come with an arthritis element not only affect the tissues surrounding the joints, they can also affect other connective tissues. Some conditions that usually have an arthritis component include the following:
- Rheumatoid Arthritis or RA
- Osteoarthritis or OA
- Lupus
- Gout
- Fibromyalgia
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Common Causes of Arthritis
Because arthritis can accompany so many conditions, the causes of arthritis can differ substantially. One of the most prevalent diseases that prompt people to do an internet search for an “arthritis chiropractor near me” is osteoarthritis or OA. This disease results from “wear-and-tear” on the joints over a long period of time and is a frequent form of arthritis in the hands, hips, and knees of Life Source Chiropractic patients 60 years of age or older. This disease causes increased swelling, stiffness, and discomfort as the cartilage in the joint wears away and the bone structure surrounding the joint changes.
Rheumatoid arthritis, also known as RA, is another type of arthritis that our chiropractor for arthritis treats frequently. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease wherein the immune system wrongfully attacks the joints. It most frequently affects the knees, hands, and wrists. As the immune system launches an assault on the body, powerful, inflammatory biochemicals that can concurrently harm multiple joints are released. The swelling of the joint lining damages the joint tissues, which results in chronic pain, altered balance, and changes to the shape of the affected joints. Due to rheumatoid arthritis’ systemic nature, the heart, lungs, and eyes may also be impacted.
Symptoms of Arthritis
Patients with arthritis generally complain of pain and stiffness according to our arthritis chiropractor. Although it is impossible for Life Source Chiropractic to understand what another person’s pain feels like, we can assess the functional impact of arthritis by analyzing grip strength, range of motion, and other physical qualities. Our chiropractor for arthritis has a good understanding of how this condition affects daily activities for each individual as a result of caring for many arthritis patients over the years.
Rheumatoid arthritis patients normally experience pain and stiffness in several joints and have similar symptoms on both sides of the body. As an example, both knees or both wrists will be impacted at the same time. Due to the fierce autoimmune conflict occurring throughout the body, weakness, fatigue, fever, and weight loss can be caused by RA.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease that can recur unexpectedly making it particularly challenging for patients to live with. Symptoms of RA can suddenly appear after an interval of relative calm, which is known as a flare. Because of the unpredictability of RA, arthritis chiropractic treatment should include comprehensive lifestyle coaching to reduce the effect of RA on patients’ daily lives.
How Chiropractic Works To Eliminate Arthritis Pain
Many individuals mistakenly believe that chiropractors spend the majority of their time realigning patients’ backs or other joints. Although chiropractic adjustments can help and proper alignment is important, the benefits of this therapy must be thoroughly considered against any plausible risks.
Our arthritis chiropractor always practices extreme caution during a patient’s RA flare. Because rheumatoid arthritis results from a powerful surge of hormones, immune cells, and other chemical reactions, arthritis chiropractic treatment must address immune dysfunction as well, which involves further interventions
Arthritis Chiropractic Treatment
Chiropractic for arthritis centers on treating the root cause of pain as well as its symptoms. While this can vary greatly from patient to patient, interventions that reduce inflammation also help diminish pain and improve mobility. Additionally, chiropractic for arthritis care improves flexibility while also restoring range of motion.
Chiropractic adjustments can benefit patients with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis who are between flare-ups. This technique brings the spine and other arthritis-affected areas back into proper alignment. When joints are aligned properly, the nerves are able to carry accurate signals between the brain and the rest of the body. This can also aid in blood circulation and immune system regulation.
Therapeutic hot and cold packs are a simple intervention that can offer quick pain relief. These work by stimulating the body’s own healing power. For example, heat promotes blood circulation, dilates blood vessels, and minimizes muscle spasms in addition to altering pain sensation. On the other hand, cold packs diminish swelling by constricting the blood vessels. Although cold packs can be quite uncomfortable at first, they can help by numbing deep pain.
Lifestyle interventions are an important part of living with arthritis since it can have a profound effect on daily life. A gentle exercise program as well as consuming an anti-inflammatory diet filled with fresh fish, fruits and vegetables, and other wholesome foods is helpful whether a person has RA or OA.
A Special Note on Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment
Our chiropractor for arthritis is aware that rheumatoid arthritis can make life challenging for patients with this condition. Although all interventions we utilize at Life Source Chiropractic have been thoroughly researched, we only employ those that are helpful to our patients with RA. The techniques that follow help to relieve RA symptoms as reported by our patients.
Vibration Therapy
Patients with RA typically suffer from low bone density. Vibration therapy has been proven to increase bone cell production, which can help people with RA keep a higher bone density. Furthermore, it can diminish symptoms of low bone density.
Compression Therapy
Compression therapy promotes healing and reduces inflammation due to arthritis by increasing blood flow to specific body parts. This allows more healing oxygen and nutrients to reach these areas. Utilizing carefully timed controlled pressure and release massage techniques, compression therapy works to remove toxins from the lymphatic system and accelerate the body’s healing process.