Treating Arthritis With Chiropractic and Acupuncture Care

Arthritis can affect anyone--men or women, children to senior adults. Generally when we think of arthritis we think of the most common type of arthritis, osteoarthritis, which occurs through general wear and tear on the joints as we age. Yet arthritis, which is the inflammation of a joint or joints, can occur at any age for many reasons such as from an autoimmune disease, an infection, or after an accident or injury. When arthritis occurs, the swelling and inflammation can cause joint stiffness, immobility, and great pain.

Arthritis consists of more than 100 different conditions of which can be helped by both chiropractic and acupuncture care. Arthritis conditions can range from tendinitis, bursitis, and osteoarthritis to the most crippling arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis. Many arthritis sufferers are initially treated with medications but find that the drugs only mask the pain and symptoms and often produce unwanted side effects. Chiropractic and acupuncture are drug-free therapies. Spinal alignments by a chiropractor can help improve joint motion and reduce body pain. Balancing a person's Qi with acupuncture helps improve overall body function, providing a positive outlook for many patients suffering from arthritis.

What happens when arthritis occurs and where can it occur? There are more than 100 joints connecting the body's 206 bones. Between the bones is a joint cavity, which gives the bones room to move. The joint space between two bones is enclosed by a capsule that is flexible, yet strong enough to protect the joint against dislocation. The inner lining of this capsule, called the synovium, produces a thick fluid that lubricates and nourishes the joint. In many forms of arthritis, the synovium becomes inflamed and thickened, producing extra fluid which contains inflammatory cells. The inflamed synovium and fluid can damage the cartilage and underlying bone causing pain and dysfunction.

Chiropractic and acupuncture have been used for many years to provide pain relief from arthritis. As arthritis progresses, pain and loss of mobility tend to follow. Chiropractic and acupuncture are very effective against arthritis and can keep the condition from progressing and causing more joint damage. Chiropractic improves mobility and decreases pain. Acupuncture seeks to balance the Qi of the body and reduce pain and irritation. Arthritis treatments help to increase the range of motion in the affected joint or joints and return more natural movement. The more the joint is allowed to move, the more the healing of the joint is promoted.

If you suffer from arthritis or know someone who does, consider contacting your local chiropractor to find out what comprehensive plan of care they can provide to help manage the pain and symptoms. Most chiropractors will provide a free consultation to review your history and discuss treatment options. Be prepared to let them know what treatment options you have previously tried and how they have affected you. This will help them prepare an effective and individualized treatment plan for you to help you overcome your arthritis pain.