How Chiropractic Care Can Help Arthritis and Back Pain

Arthritis and Chiropractic Care

Introduction

One of the most widely misunderstood conditions among people is arthritis..Often the word, "arthritis," inspires images of a future that includes crippled and twisted joints. But, many conditions from benign to severe are filed under the term, arthritis. For our purposes we will restrict this analysis to the most common forms of arthritis.

Osteoarthritis and Chiropractic Care

Osteoarthritis, degenerative arthritis, or degenerative joint disease (DJD) are the labels for the most common form of arthritis, which is also called, spondylosis, if it occurs in the spine. Basically, the condition is due to the deterioration of the cartilage that lines the joint surfaces, and it is found not only in humans, but also in all mammals. When joint cartilage is damaged, the sensitive bone tissue that is ordinarily protected by the cartilage becomes stressed causing degenerative changes in the joint. Now and then, osteophytes, or bone spurs, can occur when the bone around the joint increases quickly. Bone spurs create painful inflammation to other tissues surrounding the joint exacerbating the already grievous condition.

Degenerative joints most often occur in the lower neck and lower back, the knees, hips, and fingers. Previous trauma, certain occupations and activities, weight, diet, and heredity all appear to affect both the onset and severity of DJD.

Pain and/or stiffness in the affected joints are primary indicators of DJD. If the weight-bearing joints, such as the hips or knees are involved, one’s mobility can be affected particularly in the more advanced stages of the condition. As a last resort joints can be surgically replaced with synthetic devices. This should be done only in severe cases where the joint is measurably worn and movement is intolerable due to severe pain.

Prevention is invariably the best option, beginning at an early age.

One should always be certain that, especially when young, all injuries to joints are suitably managed to insure proper healing to avoid future disability.
People involved in occupations that necessitate standing or walking should wear suitable shoes that give good support and shock absorption.
Weight loss through proper diet will help to decrease stress on weight-bearing body joints.
Avoid kneeling on hard surfaces, such as when doing housework, as this can put strain and produce knee pain.
The natural vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants provided by fruits and vegetables are crucial for healthy joints and a healthy body.

Recently there have been some studies that show that the nutritional supplement, Glucosamine, can help with DJD and might help rebuild joint cartilage. However, it must be used over an extended period and does not work in all conditions.

Chiropractic adjustments aid in the restoration of proper mobility and function to the spinal joints. Chiropractic care is not only a smart idea, but extremely effective in relieving the debilitating pain of arthritis. Your Chicago chiropractor is highly trained when it comes to arthritic pain relief. In addition, chiropractic modalities such as joint mobilization, ultrasound, cold laser therapy, massage and electro-therapy may be used to aid in the treatment of painful and stiff joints. Occasionally, a brace is required to support the joint and relieve pain. A chiropractor may suggest exercises such as stretching, yoga, tai chi and other gentle mobilizing activities to help maintain arthritic joints.

Gout

Gouty arthritis is generated by elevated levels of uric acid in the blood and the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints. The most common joints are the big toes, the knees, ankles and wrists, and is often characterized by excruciating pain and swelling. Many people who develop gout are predisposed through heredity, though episodes are usually brought on by binge eating of inflammatory foods, when dehydrated or fasting, or after a major surgery or illness. Foods that need to be avoided include a natural substance called Purines that are metabolized in the liver to form uric acid. People with this condition cannot effectively metabolize uric acid, thus the proliferation in the bloodstream and the ensuing joint problems. The foods most correlated with high purine content are: red meat especially organ meat, certain seafood, legumes, mushrooms and other foods as well. There are other dietary restrictions that must be followed including the avoidance of alcohol.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease of systemic origin. The principal cause is not known, but it is thought to be connected to a problem with the immune system. The most common joints affected are the small joints of the hands and fingers, the feet, knees, and shoulder, though other areas of the body can be affected as well. The condition is most often associated with morning stiffness that is aggravated by motion. Other symptoms can involve general malaise and fatigue, and in its more advanced stages other systems of the body may be affected. There are particularized blood tests to help identify Rheumatoid arthritis that can be easily run. Though, currently, there is no cure, in addition to medication and vitamin and diet therapy, treatment should include chiropractic adjustments to mobilize joints and help to relieve the pain and stiffness prevalent in this disease. Additional modalities such as ultrasound, heat, electro-therapy, and massage may also be valuable. Your Chicago chiropractor is dedicated to helping individuals in getting relief from the pain and suffering associated with arthritis.

Arthritis Pain Relief by Exercising – Before beginning an arthritis exercise schedule you must talk to your medical practitioner who can help you determine what exercises will be beneficial to your joint health and which may inadvertently cause more harm. … Read more…

Arthritis Pain Relief by Exercising – Exercise is one good form of Arthritis Help. One in three Americans undergo a form of arthritis or chronic joint pain. Without treatment or therapies the pain and discomfort can lead to functional loss and disability. Read more…

Arthritis Exercises Are Good For EVERYONE – I never realized how much my right shoulder had tightened up until I tried to do a specific exercise. Hold your arms out to your sides with your palms facing down and then bring your arms up straight over our head with th back palms of … Read more…

Technorati Tags: back pain remedies, chronic lower back pain, chronic pain treatment

Chiropractic Care And its Advantages One of the reasons for the continued rise and growth of chiropractic care in the medical field is due to...
Arthritis Back Pain Management And What Causes The Pain Arthritis Back Pain At first, we may think that we are just tired from the everyday hustle and bustle...
Disc Problems and Relationship to Back Pain Do Disc Problems Cause Back Pain? Low Back Pain Low back pain is a common health problem that at some...
Natural Back Pain Relief Remedies Can Be Extremely Beneficial Natural Back Pain Relief UK Natural Back Pain Relief – Are You Sick And Tired Of The Cost Of Medication?...
Back Pain? Here Are Some Tips For Finding The Right Chiropractor Like many others who suffer from back pain, you may have thought about the possibility of seeing a chiropractor. What...