What To Do For Joint Pain?
Experiencing joint pain? People seek chiropractic care for various health issues, including joint pain. If you are experiencing joint pain, you may wonder if chiropractic care might help. The source of your pain may determine the answer. At Elevate Spinal Care we want to help you achieve a pain free lifestyle and help you get back to living your best life. You can always reach out to us if you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment with us and get started!
Here are some things to think about before attempting chiropractic care.
How Chiropractic Treatment Works
The principle behind chiropractic care is that your nerve system works best when the bones in your spine are appropriately aligned. This benefits not only your muscles and joints but all of your body’s systems. It is often used to treat musculoskeletal issues.
Chiropractic care is a manual therapy in which practitioners treat patients with their hands and special devices. They do not prescribe medication or perform surgery. They are, however, licensed and may offer advice on fitness and other therapy.
Chiropractors can help you with a variety of joint and soft tissue issues:
- Spinal manipulation therapy – commonly called an “adjustment,” is used during chiropractic care. With one or more quick, strong thrusts, the chiropractor pushes a joint, generally in your spine, beyond its normal range of motion.
- Joint Mobilization – The joint is gently manipulated through its natural range of motion, seeking areas of restriction.
- Stretching and massage
- Therapy using cold or heat
- Transcutaneous Electrical nerve stimulation through the skin (TENS). This device sends a moderate electrical pulse to your muscles and nerves to activate them.
- Ultrasound. Sound waves can help reduce joint and soft tissue pain and edema.
Chiropractic Care for Joint Pain
Some joint issues may limit what your chiropractor can accomplish. Spinal manipulation should not be utilized on diseased or inflamed joints. It should also not be performed on persons who have weak bones because it can result in a fracture.
However, other chiropractic treatments, such as joint mobilization and soft-tissue therapy, may be employed safely by just about anyone. A joint injury can set off a chain reaction of tightness and spasms in the surrounding muscles, ligaments, and other tissues. Working on those can help you feel better.
Chiropractic therapy may be beneficial depending on the source of your joint pain.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most prevalent type of arthritis. It occurs when the cartilage that cushions your joints deteriorates. Pain and edema result from bone rubbing against bone.
Chiropractic care may be able to address the underlying cause of osteoarthritis. A joint can be harmed over time if it is out of alignment or if you walk, stand, or sit incorrectly. Chiropractic therapy can address these problems, thereby preventing your arthritis from worsening. However, it cannot replace cartilage that has already been lost.
Psoriatic Arthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis
These are illnesses of the joints caused by your immune system attacking healthy tissue. The primary treatment is medications. Because chiropractors can not prescribe medication, you must continue to work with your medical doctor.
Joint manipulation should not be performed on sections of your body where the disease is active.
These types of arthritis, as well as the medications used to treat them, can result in osteoporosis. This puts you in danger of fracturing during spinal manipulation.
Chiropractic care has been shown to improve the function of your immune system, which may benefit in treating autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis. However, there is very little scientific data to back this up. Your chiropractor will be able to answer your questions about your arthritis problems.
Other Joint Pain Issues
Sometimes it is not a disease that causes the pain. It could be a misalignment in your body, causing your joints to have pain. Soft tissue therapy may be beneficial to your discomfort and range of motion. Elevate Spinal Care can also teach you how to avoid any movements that caused your pain in the future.
Before you Begin Chiropractic Treatment:
- Inquire about their experience addressing your unique issue.
- Inform them of your symptoms and medical issues.
- Inform them of any medications you are taking.
Every treatment session should include a discussion of your symptoms as well as any changes in your overall health. Changes in your condition may imply that a certain therapy employed in one visit is no longer appropriate for another.
If you have arthritis and know it, let your chiropractor know. They will better understand what they can do to help you.
Final Thoughts
Overall, chiropractic care can be very beneficial for those who suffer from joint pain. Regular adjustments can help reduce the frequency and intensity of your pain and discomfort. If you are looking for a way to alleviate pain, relieve stress, improve your posture, boost your immune system, or promote better sleep, then consider seeing a chiropractor for regular adjustments. We use a variety of techniques, including spinal manipulation, massage therapy, and relaxation techniques, to relieve pain and improve overall health. If you’re looking for an alternative to traditional medicine, chiropractic care may be worth considering. Contact Elevate Spinal Care today!