Chiropractic for Arthritis Pain

Tucker Chiropractic Specializes in Osteoarthritis Treatments

Arthritis is a degenerative condition in which the joints and tissues of the body become inflamed, causing deterioration, pain, swelling and problems with mobility. There are many different kinds of arthritis, each of which requires its own treatment regimen. A Gainesville chiropractor can help patients with arthritis enjoy better muscle strength and improved flexibility.

WHAT PARTS OF THE BODY DOES ARTHRITIS AFFECT?

Arthritis can affect any of the joints, such knees, hips, ankles, shoulders, elbows or any of the connected bones of the spine. Spinal arthritis can affect the discs and cartilage, causing impairment of the ability to bend normally. It can also cause numbness in the arms and legs. Some types of arthritis affect the skin and nerves, such as psoriatic arthritis and gout. When arthritis develops, it can cause nagging pain, pain on movement, swelling of the affected area, tenderness to the touch, and range-of-motion limitations

MANAGING ARTHRITIS PAIN

Many conventional osteoarthritis treatments focus on relief of pain that occurs with movement. These treatments may include over-the-counter medications, prescription anti-inflammatory drugs, steroid injections and injections with hyaluronic acid, which helps to duplicate the cartilage that helps to cushion joints. In cases of advanced osteoarthritis, joint replacement surgery may be necessary.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic disease of the immune system, and a variety of immunosuppressant medications are available to help relieve pain and inflammation caused by the condition.

Spinal arthritis treatment may include weight loss and exercise to relieve the pain and impairment of mobility in the back and neck that often occurs.

ALTERNATIVE TREATMENTS FOR ARTHRITIS

Individuals with arthritis conditions often must rely on medications to help them manage pain and inflammation. However, the value of alternative treatments in helping arthritis patients is becoming better understood and recognized. Supplements, such as glucosamine and chondroitin, massage, acupuncture, heat and cold treatments, nerve stimulation and other therapies can relieve discomfort and improve function for many of these patients.

CAN CHIROPRACTIC HELP ARTHRITIS?

The Arthritis Foundation and the American Chiropractic Association both recognize chiropractic as a suitable adjunct therapy, along with medications, exercise and physical therapy, to help the symptoms of arthritis in affected adults. However, treatment should be reserved for areas that are not currently inflamed or painful. Rather, chiropractic manipulation can used to increase circulation to the area to increase mobility after the inflammation has been managed with medical osteoarthritis treatment or spinal arthritis treatment.

HOW CHIROPRACTIC HELPS

Arthritis discomfort often causes patients to avoid moving the painful areas, which can put increased pressure and wear on adjacent structures of the body. Chiropractic manipulation focuses on how the body functions as a whole, and this method can help to prevent the misalignment that can increase discomfort. In addition, chiropractic treatment helps to increase circulation to affected areas and assists in keeping joints and muscles functioning, to improve mobility.

If you suffer from arthritis conditions, contact a Gainesville chiropractor to discuss how treatment can improve your mobility and your quality of life.