If you’ve experienced some kind of musculoskeletal pain, be it from an injury or a condition like arthritis, it’s highly likely you’ve considered seeing a chiropractor. At the most basic level, chiropractors simply manipulate or adjust the spine and limbs in order to reduce pain and improve mobility. That being said, this type of treatment can offer benefits that extend far beyond your problem area.
In a 2015 poll, 60% of respondents believed chiropractic care is an effective treatment for neck and back pain. If you’re suffering from arthritis, it may be a viable option for you, too. Keep reading to discover more about what to expect from chiropractic care and whether this is the right choice for you.
What is arthritis?
Though common, arthritis is one of the most misunderstood diseases. Arthritis is inflammation of one or more joints, which can cause pain, discomfort and stiffness throughout those joints and the body as a whole. Common symptoms of arthritis and joint inflammation include swelling, joint pain, joint stiffness, and decreased range of motion. These all typically worsen with age.
In actuality, arthritis is not just one single disease. There are two main types of arthritis that may benefit from routine chiropractic care:
Osteoarthritis - A degenerative disorder affecting the flexible joint cartilage
Rheumatoid Arthritis - A chronic inflammatory disorder in the joints
In both cases, self-care combined with non-invasive, non-addictive treatment should serve as your first port of call when trying to manage and relieve pain and discomfort. If you have back or neck pain due to osteoarthritis, chiropractic is one of the safest therapies you can use.
However, if you have an inflammatory disease, like rheumatoid arthritis, you may need to be more careful. Consult your doctor if you’re in any doubt as to whether chiropractic care is suitable for you.
How can chiropractic care help?
Routine chiropractic care provides arthritis patients with a safe, non-invasive, and non-addictive alternative to prescription opioids or over-the-counter pain medications, which are commonly prescribed to arthritis patients for pain management purposes.
Chiropractic adjustments can reduce joint restrictions or misalignments in the spine and other joints in an effort to reduce inflammation and improve the function of both the affected joint and the nervous system as a whole. By increasing joint mobility and improving your nervous system function and spinal health, your body will develop the ability to better manage arthritis symptoms.
Below are some of the health benefits chiropractic care and chiropractic adjustments can provide to arthritis patients:
Reduced pain and discomfort
Decreased inflammation
Improved range of motion
Improved flexibility
Increased activity and lifestyle
To see if chiropractic care will be an effective treatment option for you, your chiropractor may perform a consultation and examination and, if necessary, refer you for diagnostic imaging such as an X-ray or MRI. Based on the findings of these initial exams and consultations, your chiropractor may decide to treat your arthritis alongside other healthcare professionals as part of a more varied treatment plan. These healthcare professionals may include massage therapists, physiotherapists, and your GP.
To find a local chiropractor near you and to learn more about how chiropractic care can help those suffering from arthritis, contact The Hillsborough Chiropractic Clinic today. We specialise in the treatment of musculoskeletal aches and pains in Sheffield, Rotherham, and beyond. If you require chiropractic adjustment ‘near me’ to help with your pain, we can help you today.
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