Arthritis

What Is Arthritis?

Arthritis can simply be defined as “joint inflammation.” There are a collection of more than 100 diseases that cause painful inflammation of the joints related to arthritis. The tissues around the joints and other connective tissues can also be affected by conditions with an arthritis component. Arthritis as a symptom can be caused by select diseases including: 

• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Osteoarthritis
• Lupus
• Gout
• Fibromyalgia

Common Causes of Arthritis

The causes of arthritis vary wildly because arthritis can accompany many conditions. One of the most common conditions that drives patients to search for an “arthritis chiropractor near me” is osteoarthritis or OA. This disease results from “wear-and-tear” on the joints over time and is the most common form of arthritis in the hands, hips, and knees for our patients over the age of 60. Osteoarthritis causes the joint’s cartilage to wear away and the structure of the bone around the joint begins to change which results in increased pain, stiffness, and swelling. 

Our chiropractor for arthritis at Vital Wellness Center also frequently sees rheumatoid arthritis or RA, which is an autoimmune condition that occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s joint tissue, mainly in the knees, wrists, and hands. Potent inflammatory biochemicals are released that affect multiple joints simultaneously when the immune system mounts an attack. The lining of the joints begin to swell as the joint tissues are damaged causing chronic pain, changes in the shape of the affected joints, and impaired balance. The eyes, lungs, and heart can also be affected by the systemic nature of RA.

Symptoms of Arthritis

Our arthritis patients almost always complain of pain and stiffness according to our arthritis chiropractor at Vital Wellness Center. Because pain can fluctuate from person to person, we must begin by measuring the functional impact of arthritis by testing physical traits, grip strength, and range of motion. Our chiropractor for arthritis, Dr. Foss, can gain a good understanding of how arthritis impacts each patient’s everyday activities as a result of speaking with many patients over the years.

Comparable symptoms of pain and stiffness in multiple joints and comparable symptoms on each side of the body are what patients with RA typically experience. This means that both knees or both wrists are simultaneously affected. Weight loss, weakness, fatigue, and fever can also result from the intense autoimmune battle happening throughout the body due to RA. 

RA is particularly challenging for patients to live with because it is a flaring condition. That means that symptoms of RA can suddenly appear even after a period of relative calm which is known as a flare. This unpredictable nature of RA means that an intensive lifestyle coaching component to limit the impact of RA on everyday life must be included as an arthritis chiropractic treatment.

Eliminate Arthritis Pain With Chiropractic Care

A great deal of people mistakenly believe that chiropractors spend much of their time just cracking a patient’s neck, back, or other joints into alignment. However, this therapy must be weighed against any possible risks even though good alignment is important and chiropractic adjustment can help.

Our arthritis chiropractor at Vital Wellness Center will use extreme caution when a patient is suffering from an RA flare. This is because arthritis chiropractic treatment for this patient must also address immune dysfunction since RA is caused by a vigorous cascade of immune cells, hormones, and other biochemicals. Therefore, this will require additional interventions. 

Arthritis Chiropractic Treatment

Chiropractic for arthritis concentrates on the relief of pain and resolving the underlying cause. Interventions that reduce inflammation will help reduce pain and promote movement although this can vary from patient to patient. Enhancing flexibility and restoring range of motion are other ways chiropractic for arthritis can help.

Chiropractic adjustment can benefit patients with OA and RA that are in between flares. This approach puts the spine back into healthy alignment along with any other areas that may be affected by arthritis. The nerves inside and near the joints can carry accurate messages between the brain and body when they are properly aligned. This helps to regulate immune system activity and promote blood circulation.

Two simple interventions that can quickly provide pain relief are massage and therapeutic heat or cold packs. Massage brings additional blood to the area and also warms the tissues surrounding the joints. Prescribing hot or cold packs can also help to diminish stiffness and reduce inflammation.

Lifestyle interventions are crucial in living with this condition because arthritis can profoundly impact everyday life. Following an anti-inflammatory diet rich in fresh produce, fish, and other healthy foods is helpful in patients with OA or RA. Our team at Vital Wellness Center enjoys creating custom therapeutic exercise plans for our patients with arthritis because gentle exercise adds further benefits.

A Special Note on RA Care

Our chiropractor for arthritis is aware that life can be difficult for patients with RA. Although we rigorously research every intervention that is used at Vital Wellness Center, the ones that remain as part of our offerings are the interventions that will be most helpful. The following are some therapies that help relieve RA symptoms according to our patients:

Cold laser: This therapy is accomplished by aiming a laser directly at the affected joints to reduce inflammation. The lasers use a frequency between 780 and 950 nm because the joints are relatively deep inside the body. This is also known as low-level laser because it uses a much lower level of energy than lasers used to destroy blood clots or cancer.

Electrotherapy: Electrotherapy delivers small electrical pulses precisely into the nerve fibers and muscles. This painless therapy stimulates the body parts that help support arthritic joints.

Ultrasound: Ultrasound waves penetrate aching joints with soothing warmth and soft vibrations to provide tissues with a light massage-like effect. 

Infrared sauna: Infrared sauna for many of our patients is like a relaxing, spa-like getaway. Warmth and pain reduction are provided by the infrared heat. Since it also increases circulation, nutrients, oxygen, and other critical biochemicals are able to promote healing in the tissue.

Ready To Reap the Benefits of Chiropractic for Arthritis?

You’re not alone if you are wondering if chiropractic for arthritis might be right for you. Our arthritis chiropractor, Dr. Foss, sees new patients every day that wish to find relief for their condition and are curious about how chiropractic care can help them. Be sure to give us a call at Vital Wellness Center to schedule your initial consultation and discuss your options for arthritis chiropractic treatment today.

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