Arthritis affects around 6 million Canadians – that’s 1 in 5. It’s a condition that causes inflammation in the joints, leading to pain, stiffness, and limited mobility. While arthritis affects people of all ages, the likelihood increases with age. The experience of living with arthritis can vary from person to person, with different symptoms and levels of severity. If you’re looking for a natural and non-invasive way to manage arthritis symptoms, chiropractic care is worth exploring.
Types of Arthritis
There are many types of arthritis, but the two most common are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
- Osteoarthritis: This is the most common type and is usually due to wear and tear on the joints over time or overuse. It often affects the hands, knees, hips, and spine.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: This is an autoimmune disease where the immune system mistakenly attacks the joints, causing inflammation and damage, especially in the hands, feet, and wrists.
Causes of Arthritis
The exact cause of arthritis isn’t always clear, but several factors can play a role, including:
- Age: As we get older, our joints wear down with instability, increasing the risk of arthritis.
- Genetics: Some people are more likely to develop certain types of arthritis due to their genetic makeup.
- Weight: Carrying extra weight puts more stress on the joints, which can lead to arthritis.
- Joint Injuries: Previous joint injuries can increase the risk of developing arthritis in that joint. This can be due to repetitive stress including poor posture.
- Infections: Sometimes, infections in the joints can trigger certain types of arthritis.
Common Symptoms of Arthritis
Arthritis symptoms can vary, but some of the most common ones include:
- Joint Pain: You might feel pain in the affected joints, especially when you move them.
- Stiffness: Stiffness in the joints, particularly in the morning or after being inactive.
- Swelling: The joints might swell up and feel tender.
- Redness and Warmth: The affected joints may appear red and feel warm to the touch.
- Decreased Range of Motion: It can be harder to move the affected joints, with a noticeable decrease in flexibility.
Chiropractic Care Help
Chiropractic care offers a natural and non-invasive approach to managing arthritis, focusing on improving joint function and reducing pain. A recent study found that a 28 year old woman living with rheumatoid arthritis found relief and improvement of her symptoms after receiving spinal corrections over a 3 month period. “The patient reported a significant improvement in quality of life due to chiropractic care.” – Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research ~ October 24, 2023 ~ Volume 2023 ~ Pages 141-149
Chiropractic care can also be beneficial for individuals with inflammatory conditions like osteoarthritis (OA). A randomized controlled trial in Denmark found that twice-weekly chiropractic sessions over six weeks were more effective at relieving joint pain in patients with hip OA compared to a daily stretching routine or patient education alone.
Chiropractors develop a personalized plan of care to help alleviate the symptoms of arthritis and promote overall joint health and slow down the degenerative process by stabilizing joints. . This treatment option can be especially beneficial for those looking to manage arthritis without relying solely on medications or surgery. Chiropractors use various techniques to improve joint function and reduce pain and inflammation, such as:
- Spinal Corrections: These adjustments can help improve mobility in the joints and alleviate pain and stiffness.
- Massage Therapy: Massage can reduce muscle tension and improve circulation, which might help ease arthritis symptoms.
- Exercise Recommendations: Chiropractors can suggest exercises and stretches to improve joint flexibility and strength, helping you manage arthritis better.
- Lifestyle Advice: They can also recommend modifications, like health and fitness related changes or adjusting your workspace to a more ergonomic set up, to goal is to reduce joint stress and improve your symptoms.
Arthritis is a common issue that can significantly impact your quality of life, but chiropractic care offers a safe and effective way to manage symptoms and improve joint health. By addressing the root causes of arthritis and promoting better joint function, chiropractic care can help you live a more active, healthier life. If you or someone you know is struggling with arthritis, consider seeing a chiropractor to explore how they can help.
We’re here to help.
Kim Family Chiropractic has a team of trusted professionals, ready to address your health concerns.
Our role as Neuro-Structural Chiropractors is to find the root cause of dysfunction, and address any structural distortions in your spine that are compromising the health of your nervous system and ultimately limiting the health and function of your entire body. Learn more about our approach by reading What Happens When Your Health Problem Isn’t The Real Problem?