The following are commonly asked questions regarding chiropractic care and arthritis, the most common cause for chronic joint pain.
What is Arthritis? ‘Arthro’ means joint, and ‘itis,’ means inflammation.
Why is there inflammation in my joints? Inflammation comes from injury. Overuse injuries are most common, but inflammation may also be from old injuries that have not healed properly.
Why does inflammation hurt? The body releases chemicals during the inflammatory process that irritate nerves and cause pain. The pain is a signal to the brain to protect the area and rest, but to also let you know something is not balanced.
How do I get rid of inflammation pain? Get rid of the inflammation! Taking Ibuprofen and other anti-inflammatory medications will temporarily get rid of inflammation, thus reducing pain. Actually stopping the inflammation process long term is a better choice as anti-inflammatories have side effects and should not be used long term.
How do I get to the origin of inflammation to have long-term pain relief? Stop repetitive actions, avoid foods that promote inflammation in the body, eat foods that stop inflammation in the body, drink plenty of water, and improve your posture. As far as diet suggestions, visit the Kaplan Center for Integrative Medicine.
How does chiropractic care help arthritis? If you are an arthritis sufferer you know that most of your symptoms are in the morning and include stiffness and pain in the joints. Chiropractic adjustments help to promote normal joint motion. When the joints are moving properly they are able to get the nutrients and water they need to be healthy. Restoring normal joint motion can help to reduce the inflammation by allowing nutrient rich blood and joint fluids to enter the joint and facilitating the removal of fluids carrying debris and toxins. Improvement in circulation with chiropractic care, diet modifications, and activity modifications together can make a profound difference in you symptoms!
For more information of chiropractic care for arthritis visit the American Chiropractic Association.