Facing Osteoarthritis? See Your Chiropractor for Help
Arthritis is a little scary when it shows up. It can happen gradually or suddenly, and it can be a little bit or a lot. But your chiropractor is well equipped to help you handle it and take control of the situation. Make an appointment and get started.
What Osteoarthritis Does
The American Chiropractic Association defines osteoarthritis as a type of arthritis that occurs when flexible tissue at the end of bones wears down. Although osteoarthritis can damage any joint in the body, the disorder most commonly affects joints in the hands, knees, hips and spine.
For people who are used to being active, new pain in knees or hips can be frustrating and annoying. Weekend trips and favored hobbies sometimes come to a halt. For seniors, arthritis in the hands and the spine can make simple tasks a challenge, and threaten their independence.
Osteoarthritis often gradually worsens, and no cure exists. But staying active and maintaining a healthy weight can be the difference in maintaining healthy, active lifestyles or relinquishing them.
Spot the symptoms.
Pain. Your joints may hurt during or after use.
Tenderness. You joints may feel tender when you apply light pressure.
Stiffness. Joint stiffness may be the worst when you wake up in the morning or after you have been inactive for a long period of time.
Loss of Flexibility. You may not be able to move a joint through its full range of motion.
Grating Sensations. You may hear or feel a grating sensation when you use the joint.
Bone Spurs. Extra bits of bone, like hard lumps, may form around an affected joint.
See Your Doctor & Your Chiropractor
If you are experiencing joint pain or stiffness that lasts for more than a few weeks seek treatment. After seeing your doctor, make an appointment with the chiropractor.
Visiting the Chiropractor
The initial visit will include a spinal adjustment to evaluate spinal health and pain, plus a review of medical history and daily activities. The chiropractor can detect the earliest degenerative changes in the spine, as well as the hips, knees and other weight bearing joints. The goal will be to seek pain relief and improve function without medications or surgery. The chiropractor can suggest exercises to strengthen the muscles that support joints, helping the individual stay active. Low impact exercises such as walking or water aerobics may be suggested. Diets to reduce weight and take some of the load off of painful joints are frequently used. Throughout the process, the chiropractor becomes the first line of defense helping the patient cope with arthritis and maintain an active lifestyle.
If you or someone in your family is facing this challenge, don’t wait, make an appointment now and get the solutions you need.
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