How a Chiropractor Can Help With Arthritis

Arthritis, a condition with over 200 types that affects the musculoskeletal system. The pain and swelling that occurs in the joints can diminish your ability to move the way you want. No one wants to be slowed down by arthritis and similar conditions, especially when you still have plenty of life left. But how do you cope with arthritis? The good news is that a chiropractor can help.

What Is Arthritis?

There are several kinds of arthritis, as mentioned above, but the most common is osteoarthritis. Another common one is rheumatoid arthritis. While any of these conditions can appear at any stage in life, the most common age is 70 years. General symptoms include pain, redness, heat, and swelling, but other joint diseases can be linked to arthritis. Those who have poor posture, are overweight, or have injuries are at risk for developing arthritis.

The reason this happens is due to the joints and the spongy tissue covering the ends, called cartilage. Without cartilage and synovial fluid to keep joints lubricated and moving safely within the socket, the joints will start to wear down. Age also can cause cartilage to grow brittle and synovial fluid to dry out. When this happens, spurs and swelling develop inside the joint, restricting movements and causing inflammation.

While replacement joints might help, regular chiropractic care should also be added to your routine.

How Chiropractors Help With Arthritis

Professional chiropractors have the insight you need to find to relief from arthritis, because they have extensive training dealing with the musculoskeletal system. One of the ways a chiropractor utilizes this knowledge is by carefully manipulating the body’s movement and improve upon the range of motion, minimizing pain, and relaxing the tight muscles around the inflamed joints.

Chiropractic adjustments increase motion by creating space. The more flexibility arthritis sufferers have, the better they can move, painlessly. Sessions also include some massage and manipulation to keep the joints well lubricated.

Chiropractors might also recommend a balanced diet and exercise, such as light stretches, to help you with working through arthritis. Other activities, such as swimming and yoga, are also great for helping release the muscles and aiding with decreasing pain in the joints.

The Bottom Line

Though arthritis is painful and can make you feel like life is slowing down, it doesn’t have to remain that way. By adding regular chiropractic care to your life and staying active, you can keep your joints healthy and reduce the pain and inflammation caused by arthritis.

About Shannon Clark

Shannon holds a degree in Exercise Science and is a certified personal trainer and fitness writer with over 10 years of industry experience.