Joint stiffness is a major problem for people today. In fact, more and more people are suffering from arthritis and related conditions as a result of our largely sedentary lifestyles and our poor diets.
But it can be hard to loosen up the joints once they’ve become stiff. It takes consistent, daily work to keep your joints flexible, and chiropractic care can help you with this goal!
All About Arthritis and Joint Stiffness
We tend to think of arthritis as only being present in older individuals. However, arthritis can affect almost anyone, especially those who put a lot of stress on their joints every day for years on end.
Technically, arthritis simply refers to a narrowing of the space between joints. As this space continues to decrease, the bones can come in closer contact with one another, leading to pain and stiffness.
What are the Main Symptoms of Arthritis?
The primary symptoms of arthritis are pain and stiffness in the joints. Additionally, some patients might experience warmth and other symptoms around the affected areas.
Arthritis is typically diagnosed via subjective report. This means that your clinician will listen to your issues and diagnose the issue based on what you say. That being said, some doctors will order x-rays and perform certain tests to determine the extent of the arthritic condition.
How Does a Person Develop Arthritis?
As was mentioned earlier, arthritis usually occurs in the elderly and very active people. This is because arthritis is a condition that involves misuse and overuse of the joints for extended periods of time.
For instance, professional athletes who perform heavy exercise every day for many years may develop arthritis relatively early in life. Similarly, construction workers and those who lift objects every day for work are at high risk of developing the condition.
Also, people who suffer injuries that last for a long time may be predisposed to the development of arthritis. Car crashes, old fractures, and similar issues can all lead to long-term joint stiffness and arthritis.
Last but not least, there are a number of conditions that can cause arthritis either as a primary symptom or as a secondary symptom. For example, rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that causes widespread joint inflammation and stiffness throughout the body.
Another condition which can cause joint stiffness is gout. Gout is a common issue that involves an excess of uric acid in the body. This form of arthritis is very painful and can affect anyone.
Treatments for Joint Stiffness and Arthritis
One of the best ways to treat joint stiffness is to incorporate regular exercise. Exercise helps to lubricate the joints of the body, allowing for more fluid movement and improved, pain-free range of motion.
Additionally, dietary changes can often help to decrease inflammation, leading to less stiffness and inflammation throughout the body. Nutrition is a complex area of health, but one that requires close examination to ensure that you are eating in a way that will optimize your health.
Last but not least, chiropractic care is an excellent treatment option for those with joint stiffness. In the next section, we’ll take a look at this treatment method for arthritis and joint stiffness.
Chiropractic Care and Joint Stiffness
Chiropractors work to correct any imbalances in the spine. By pressing gently on specific parts of the spine that have fallen out of place, your chiropractor can help you recover from virtually any issue you may be experiencing.
Chiropractic adjustments help to reestablish connections between the central nervous system and the rest of the body. This encourages blood flow and healing in these areas, and this is particularly effective for painful joint issues.
Book your appointment today with At Last Chiropractic, your go-to Lithia chiropractor!
