Osteoarthritis brings stiff, painful joints and a host of other symptoms. Since it typically affects the hands, knees, and hips, most patients find it interferes with their daily activities and hobbies. However, there is a way to get back to doing what you enjoy. If you have been diagnosed with osteoarthritis, chiropractic care may help ease its symptoms and help you achieve lasting relief.
Osteoarthritis (OA) occurs when joint cartilage breaks down, changing the bone underneath, known as “wear and tear arthritis.” However, this common type of arthritis is not entirely the result of regular use of the joints as we age. Repetitive motions (such as using a computer), traumatic injuries (like from playing sports), and genetics are also known to contribute to its development. Whatever the cause, it will take months or even years to develop osteoarthritis.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), osteoarthritis has four main symptoms, including:
Symptoms of osteoarthritis may worsen when the arthritic joint is engaged or put under pressure. For example, a patient with an arthritic wrist may find it difficult to complete simple tasks, from opening a jar to typing. Similarly, jogging can cause a flare-up in an arthritic knee. This makes osteoarthritis not only painful but also frustrating for many.
There is no way to cure osteoarthritis, but there is a way to manage it. Treatment plans may include prescription medication, supportive devices, healthy eating, and low-impact exercises. Chiropractors can work with the patient’s primary care doctor to manage their symptoms throughout treatment, including for patients who require sports rehabilitation. This is because chiropractic care for osteoarthritis will focus on the following:
A decreased range of motion in the arthritic joint is a common pain point among patients. Patients use the affected joint less as osteoarthritis progresses because it is so stiff and painful during motion. However, this is a vicious cycle. The less the patient uses the joint, the worse the symptoms will become. Fortunately, if the patient healthily uses the joint without too much stress, symptoms will likely improve.
A chiropractor will, therefore, help the patient get the joint moving to restore mobility. One component of this is getting regular chiropractic adjustments, which may safely and effectively increase mobility over time. Patients often feel refreshed after receiving one. Another is recommending low-impact exercises and stretches the patient may complete at home.
Misalignment of the spine may cause pain and inflammation in various parts of the body, including the joints. For instance, a misaligned spine can put pressure on the nerves and contribute to joint pain (even that associated with osteoarthritis). This, in turn, may negatively affect circulation and lead to inflammation. To remedy this, a chiropractor will work to realign the spine and relieve some of that nerve pressure.
Per the Arthritis Foundation, any type of arthritis may negatively affect a patient’s mental health, usually resulting in depression and anxiety. The exact connection remains unclear, but it could result from having to live with chronic pain. Not only can it be frustrating and make patients irritable, but it can also get in the way of one’s hobbies, interests, career, and relationships. While a chiropractor cannot treat mental disorders, they will work to ease the arthritic pain that contributes to them.
While getting the joints moving is a crucial part of osteoarthritis treatment, it is equally important to protect the joints while doing so. The chiropractor will consider each patient’s symptoms every step of the way. This means making sure that any at-home treatments they recommend will not be too stressful for the arthritic joint in its current state. Remember that straining the joint can set treatment back. Treatment is likely to be more successful when patients are consistent and take it slow.
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with osteoarthritis, a chiropractor will work to decrease the severity of one’s symptoms. At Spine & Joint Regenerative Medicine, we tailor each patient’s treatment to their concerns and needs. Learn how chiropractic care may bolster your OA treatment plan. Simply call {{PHONE}} to schedule an appointment with a chiropractor.
Request an appointment here: https://sjrm-tn.com or call Spine & Joint Regenerative Medicine at (423) 424-1529 for an appointment in our Ooltewah office.
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