Many people struggle with arthritis pain as a natural part of the aging process. Arthritis is the name for conditions that result in a swelling of your joints, causing stiffness and pain. At Advanced Family Chiropractic & Rehabilitation, our chiropractor is here to help ease your arthritis pain using natural, holistic chiropractic care methods
Causes of Arthritis
The two main types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. While both of these problems cause joint pain, the pain is caused in different ways. When a person experiences osteoarthritis, it's typically caused by general aging, or wear and tear of the joint cartilage. Normal joint cartilage creates a soft cushion at the end of the bone, allowing bones to glide past one another, pain free. As cartilage deteriorates, bones can rub against one another during normal movement, which can restrict overall motion and cause pain. Osteoarthritis affects entire joints, and causes physical changes in the bone of the joint as well.
Rheumatoid arthritis is different. It's caused by a problem with the body's immune system. People who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis have an overactive immune system that attacks the joint capsule, a thick lining that encloses the entire joint. The lining becomes inflamed and eventually, damage to the bones in the joint may occur.
There are several different risk factors for arthritis. All types of arthritis increase with age. It's likely that there is a genetic component of arthritis, as it tends to run in families. Injuries and infection can also increase the likelihood of arthritis, as can being obese or overweight.
Symptoms of Arthritis
Pain in the joints is the most common symptom of arthritis. Symptoms may also include a decreased range of motion in the affected joint, swelling, stiffness, and/or redness of the skin near the affected joint.
Arthritis Treatment
When you come in for your first arthritis appointment with our chiropractor, we'll discuss your health history and the symptoms you've been experiencing. If we decide that chiropractic care is a good fit for you, we'll develop your personal care plan. For most arthritis patients, corrective exercise is helpful. These exercises strengthen the surrounding muscles and to help take some of the pressure off of painful, arthritic joints. Lifestyle changes, such as changing your diet to eliminate foods that cause flare ups in your joint pain, are also helpful for many people with arthritis.
Call Our Imperial Chiropractor
If you've been struggling with arthritis pain, our chiropractor is here to help. Call our conveniently located Imperial office, Advanced Family Chiropractic & Rehabilitation, at .