Arthritis represents a common condition not commonly understood by those afflicted. Arthritis does not actually represent a single disease, but rather a term used informally to referring to joint pain or joint inflammation. The root word “arthros” means joint and “itis” refers to inflammation. So the word arthritis refers broadly to joint inflammation. More than 100 different types of arthritis and related conditions exist under the same umbrella. People of all ages, sexes and races experience this leading cause of disability in America. More than 50 million adults and 300,000 children suffer from some type of arthritis. The affliction most commonly impacts women and older populations.
Common arthritis joint symptoms include swelling, pain, stiffness and decreased range of motion. Symptoms often come and go in intensities ranging from mild to severe. Symptoms also vary in consistency. Some people experience the same level of pain while others suffer more as time gradually passes. Severe arthritis results in chronic pain, inability to do daily activities, and difficulty accomplishing simple tasks like walking or climbing stairs. Permanent joint changes also accompany some cases of arthritis.
Conservative estimates determine that roughly 54 million adults endure doctor-diagnosed arthritis. The most common type of arthritis comes in the form of osteoarthritis, affecting an estimated 31 million Americans. Osteoarthritis defines as degeneration of joint cartilage and the underlying bone, most commonly beginning in middle age. This form causes pain and stiffness, especially in the hip, knee, spine and thumb joints. Arthritis levels exacerbate among people who have other chronic conditions.
• 49 percent of adults with heart disease experience arthritis.
• 47 percent of adults with diabetes experience arthritis.
• 31 percent of adults with obesity experience arthritis.
Arthritis and other joint disorders not caused by specific traumatic accidents rank among the five most costly conditions among adults aged 18 and older. The number of people expected to experience doctor-diagnosed arthritis by the year 2040 climbs to more than 78 million. As these staggering numbers continue to grow, the need for long-lasting, non-invasive and drugless relief for arthritis sufferers becomes very appealing and relevant. Chiropractic care provides a solution.
Research published in a prestigious medical journal showed that arthritis patients experienced greater results and relief through Chiropractic care more than any other utilized intervention. The arthritis group which received Chiropractic care engaged in two visits per week for six consecutive weeks, a small representation of life changing benefits originating from a simple non-invasive plan to improve overall health. Chiropractic does not specifically offer a treatment or cure for arthritis or any other condition. Chiropractors assess and correct structural joint problems to improve mobility, alignment, and nervous system function. The powerful capacity within the body begins to optimize function and performance. One of many resulting benefits of Chiropractic care manifests in the form of reduced pain and inflammation.
Nine Additional Drug-Free Strategies To Reduce Arthritis Symptoms
- Acupuncture–People have benefited for thousands of years for relief of arthritis symptoms using acupuncture. Current research shows that acupuncture promotes the body to release pain reducing neurotransmitters such as endorphins and enkephalins as well as cortisol, which helps to reduce inflammation.
- Deep Tissue Laser Therapy–Laser therapy can reduce pain and inflammation related to arthritis as well as promote healing at the cellular level of the joints.
- Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids–Found predominantly in fish oil, these fatty acids reduce inflammation, in turn reducing pain and swelling associated with arthritis.
- CBD–Many people are finding that applying CBD locally to arthritic joints can sooth the symptoms of arthritis.
- Nutritional Joint Support–Providing the building blocks of cartilage to arthritic joints can help reduce pain and swelling. Some of the common supplements to consider for joint support include glucosamine, chondroitin, gelatin and collagen.
- Addressing Food Sensitivities–Underlying food sensitivities can trigger inflammatory reactions which can affect joints. The most common food sensitivities include gluten, dairy, eggs, soy, and nightshades. Elimination diets can help to determine if food sensitivities are the underlying cause of arthritis symptoms.
- Exercise–Cartilage in joints rely on movement to push out waste products and bring in nutrients. Joints will “rust out” long before they “wear out” with a sedentary lifestyle.
- Therapeutic Massage Therapy–Therapeutic massage can be very helpful in reducing joint pain and stiffness.
- Proper Hydration–Not being well hydrated can magnify symptoms related to arthritis. Adequate water intake has also been shown to help with lubrication of the joints.
Arthritis sufferers represent one of many groups who benefit from learning about and experiencing the benefits of nervous system care. Chiropractic works.
Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2013 Oct;21(10):1494-503. doi: 10.1016/j.joca.2013.06.009. Epub 2013 Jun 21. Patient education with or without manual therapy compared to a control group in patients with osteoarthritis of the hip. A proof-of-principle three-arm parallel group randomized clinical trial. Poulsen E1, Hartvigsen J, Christensen HW, Roos EM, Vach W, Overgaard S.
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