A Hands-On Approach to Arthritis Management

The pain, stiffness, and ongoing discomfort in your joints isn’t uncommon. The Arthritis Foundation reports 53 million Americans suffer from it. While many people believe it’s something only older individuals suffer from, that’s not the case. Two-thirds of people suffering from it are under the age of 65 years old and there are 300,000 children trying to cope with it.

Arthritis is a joint condition. It is the result of the joints becoming inflamed. This inflammation can cause mobility issues and pain. It can significantly affect the quality of life of those who suffer from it.

Two Types of Arthritis

There are two types of arthritis: Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and OsteoArthritis (OA). Understanding the differences can help you get the right treatment.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

This type of arthritis is symmetrical, meaning the inflammation occurs on both sides of the body simultaneously. For instance, both wrists may be suffering from it at the same time.
Symptoms of RA include:

• Stiffness after prolonged inactivity
• Fatigue
• Fever

RA is an immune dependent condition, as in the reason the inflammation occurs is due to the immune system believing there is a threat of some sort and causes inflammation to protect the body.
In severe cases in which the condition is not treated, joint erosion may occur along with damage to internal organs.

OsteoArthritis (OA)

This type of arthritis occurs in the knees, hips and spine where the most weight from the body lies. Some people may suffer from it in their fingers, elbows, wrists, and ankles.

OA is a degenerative joint disease because it happens due to overuse of the body. For instance, athletes and those who have highly active jobs are more at risk of developing OA.

Unlike RA, this type of arthritis doesn’t have the serious consequences of eroding joints and internal organ damage. It can cause deformities, though. For example, a person may end up with knees that curve outward like a bow.

How Chiropractic Care Can Help

Chiropractic care can be highly effective in relieving RA and OA. Spinal misalignments can be a factor in these types of arthritis, as it can place stress on the joints. This can accelerate the wear and tear on the joints, which leads to arthritis.

Chiropractors can detect and correct misalignments in the body. With a few adjustments, the body will be able to perform as it’s supposed to in the way it’s supposed to, so it does not affect the joints as much. This also leads to restoration of the spinal bones, so they do not continue to spur (develop new bones). With chiropractic adjustments, people feel relief from symptoms and can live their daily life with less pain.

Other benefits of chiropractic care include:

• Increased Flexibility
• More Energy
• Improved Strength

Contact North East Chiropractic Center for Arthritis Relief

If you’ve been suffering from arthritis (RA or OA), consider contacting North East Chiropractic Center in Fort Wayne. We specialize in helping people just like you find relief from their symptoms, so they do not have to be at the mercy of their arthritic pain. Contact us today for a consultation at (260) 245-0460.