There are over 100 different types of arthritis, all of which can cause pain and discomfort. Arthritis refers to pain or disease in the joints, and it can be as minor as some inconvenient discomfort, or it can be debilitating. It can affect men, women, and children of all ages, and is often a chronic disease. This means that arthritis tends to stay with an individual for his or her lifetime and get progressively worse over time.
Whenever dealing with an incurable – and often chronic – disease like arthritis, treatment and management of the symptoms are a top priority. Swelling, pain, stiffness, inflammation, and limited range of motion are all common symptoms, and ones that can immediately affect a person’s ability to carry out day-to-day tasks.
Exercise, rest, sleep, diet, and regular visits to your doctor are all ways to manage arthritis, but what about chiropractic care? Can chiropractic help with arthritis?
Since joint pain can include such a broad range of experiences, we shouldn’t be surprised that the answer is a firm “maybe.”
A review of the literature from the University of Maryland concluded that chiropractic doesn’t stop joint damage from osteoarthritis, but can reduce pain and give sufferers greater range of motion, as well as relaxing the muscles and giving greater coordination.
However, chiropractic isn’t right for everyone, and is not recommended for people who have swollen joints. Coping with acute joint pain using ice and rest may be a good first step. Following up with chiropractic care after the swelling is reduced can be helpful.
It’s also important to remember that chiropractic includes a number of different methods and techniques, and is not the stereotypical snap, crackle, and pop approach popularized by cartoons. Chiropractors go through years of education and training, just like every other physician.
So how do you know if chiropractic can help you with your arthritis?
The best possible way to make the best decisions for your health, whether it’s about arthritis or something else, is to open up a dialogue with a knowledgeable medical professional. Letting your primary care doctor know about any health problems or concerns that you may have is an important part of maintaining wellness.
If you’re feeling an unusual stiffness in your shoulder, or an aching in your knee, or pain in your knuckles, let your doctor know. Depending on your condition, your primary care doctor might refer you to a specialist.
One of the great advantages to being a MANA patient is being a connected to an entire network of highly-trained doctors, specialists, and medical professionals. The MANA network includes rheumatologists, chiropractors, and any other specialist you could possibly need. Meet with a physician today!