The Most Common Causes of Joint Pain
By Sara Butler
The chiropractors at The Joint see a lot of patients complaining of joint pain. When you understand how joints work and what they do, it’s easy to see how they can become a source of problems as you age or as a disease process takes hold. Here are some of the most common causes of joint pain and how a chiropractor can help.
What Are Joints?
The joints of the human body connect bones to one another. They also provide support and allow movement of different parts of the body. Over the course of a lifetime, joints go through a lot of wear and tear. This can result in problems involving mobility, pain, and stiffness – especially as a person ages. It is important to note that not all joint pain is the result of the aging process; some joint pain has more serious implications.
Osteoarthritis
This is also referred to as a degenerative joint disease. It’s caused by the wear and tear of joints over the course of several years, causing the cartilage in the joints to break down, resulting in pain and stiffness. If you suffer from this type of joint pain, it’s important to see a chiropractor regularly in order to receive adjustments and nutritional counseling. You will also need to explore low impact exercise since weight management can make a big difference in the pain experienced with osteoarthritis.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
This type of arthritis is an autoimmune disease, not a byproduct of wear and tear. A person with rheumatoid arthritis will experience pain in the joints because the immune system attacks healthy tissue by mistake. It’s basically a case of an immune system kicking it up to overtime and it can cause very painful problems for sufferers. Chronic pain and stiffness in the joints are the hallmarks of this disorder, and often chiropractors can help with the management of symptoms.
Injury
If you’re an active person, then you’ve probably experienced an injury at some point. Even minor injuries can cause discomfort since a joint is used so much over the course of a day. When an injury occurs, the best course of action will be to apply ice right away and then see your chiropractor so the injury can be assessed.
No matter the cause of your joint pain, the chiropractors at The Joint know how to help you stay mobile and reduce your pain!
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local St. Petersburg chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic.