Osteoarthritis (often simply referred to as “arthritis”) is an incredibly common condition. In fact, after the age of 60 (give or take), almost everyone will have arthritis in one or more joints.
But many people are confused about this painful ailment. There is a lot of misunderstanding about arthritis and many folks are therefore turning to potentially dangerous and irreversible treatments in an effort to decrease the pain caused by arthritis. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at arthritis and demonstrate how chiropractic care can help you overcome this painful issue.
What Is Arthritis?
When you are diagnosed with arthritis, you may incorrectly believe that the joint in question is “bone-on-bone”. This is a common misconception, but it’s understandable that one would come to this conclusion.
In reality, a diagnosis of arthritis simply means that you have lost space between two bones that make up a given joint. There are different criteria with which clinicians can diagnose arthritis, so your doctor may even diagnose you with “early-stage” or “late-stage” arthritis.
When arthritis has advanced significantly, patients may experience pain and other symptoms due to improper joint movement and a loss of the protective tissue that is usually present between bones.
In the next section, let’s take a look at some of the major symptoms of arthritis.
Arthritis Symptoms
The major symptom of arthritis is pain. But arthritis pain isn’t the only thing these patients may experience. Alternatively (or in addition to pain), patients may experience any or all of the following symptoms:
- Clicking, grinding, and popping when moving the joint in question.
- Joint swelling and redness after high levels of activity.
- Stiffness and inflexibility in affected joints.
In rare cases, patients may experience a few other symptoms as a result of arthritis. However, the above issues cover the main complaints of arthritis sufferers.
Who Suffers from Arthritis?
Often, arthritis will affect older adults, regardless of their activity level. However, the more active an individual is, especially if he or she uses poor form during their chosen activities, the more likely it is that he or she will develop arthritis.
That being said, movement and exercise are good things! Don’t be afraid of exercising due to the possibility of developing arthritis later in life.
Arthritis Treatments
Sadly, many patients are led to believe that the only cure for their arthritis symptoms is surgery. Tons of arthritis sufferers go under the knife every year, receiving total or partial joint replacement surgeries.
Other patients will try to extend the life of their joints through the use of pain-reducing medications. Unfortunately, these medications often have serious side effects, and they may even lead to dependency.
Interestingly, there is a group of care options, which are usually labeled as “alternative treatments”, which provide significant relief to patients. Under the umbrella of alternative treatments, you’ll find things such as exercise, stretching, and chiropractic care.
Chiropractic Care and Arthritis
As was discussed throughout this post, arthritis is a very common and very troubling condition.
Seeking treatment for this condition can be a scary prospect, especially when you pursue treatment within the “traditional medicine” category.
Luckily, your chiropractor is here to help you overcome the symptoms of arthritis.
Chiropractors can perform many different treatments. However, they often use a specialized treatment option known as a spinal adjustment. By applying pressure in a specific direction to a specific spinal segment, chiropractors can realign the spine and improve patients’ health in profound ways.
Are you suffering from arthritis? Does it seem like it will never get better, but you don’t want to undergo surgery or take medication for the rest of your life? If this sounds like you, you are a prime candidate for chiropractic care. Your Lithia, FL chiropractors at At Last Chiropractic are ready to help you today. Book your session with us today.
