Joints Hurt? Check the Scale, See the Chiropractor
By Sandy Schroeder
Initially, joint pain may show up when you are out walking or climbing stairs. Then you may begin to notice it every morning when you get up.
Doing something about your joint pain before it becomes worse can be critical for your pain relief and long-term health. That’s where your scale and your chiropractor come in.
How Extra Weight Hurts Joints
Extra weight increases your chances of osteoarthritis, the most frequent joint disorder that comes from joint wear and tear. Extra weight adds pressure to joints, such as knees. Extra weight can also generate inflammation in the body, leading to painful joints in the hands.
When you are out walking, the pressure on your knees is one and a half times your body weight. If you weigh 200 pounds, knee pressure is 300 pounds. When you walk up steps, the pressure goes up to two to three times your body weight. When you squat to tie your shoes, the force becomes four to five times. Losing weight is a good start, coupled with ongoing treatment for pain relief. That’s where your chiropractor comes in.
How Your Chiropractor Can Help
Chiropractic treatment seeks pain relief without pain medications or surgery. When you come in, your chiropractor will want to talk about your pain, your activities, and your medical history.
When spinal segments restrict, they create dysfunction, limiting motion, creating nerve pain and accelerated degeneration. A spinal adjustment uses the gentle application of a targeted movement to improve motion of the body’s spinal column and extremities. The adjustment may provide far-reaching pain relief with the added benefits of more energy, better sleep and more alertness.
As you and your chiropractor evaluate the results of your adjustment, you can shape an ongoing plan of treatment. If you are carrying extra weight, that may be at the top of the list, followed closely by more activity, and ways to reduce stress.
Chiropractors make great wellness coaches. As they help you get back on track, they will be monitoring you for any new pain issues. I have watched many friends find their way through joint pain with the help of their chiropractors. Sometimes the results were amazing. Losing weight and becoming more active often leads to better job schedules or more family interaction, too.
If this sounds like a resource that you could use, stop by The Joint Chiropractic to get started. An affordable care program eliminates the need for insurance, and convenient weekend and evening hours are available. Walk-in visits are welcome. No appointments are needed.
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic.
