Arthritis can be painful and debilitating, leaving many prospective patients who suffer from either rheumatoid or osteoarthritis wondering if chiropractic care can help alleviate the associated pain and suffering. The answer is, "it depends." Arthritis isn't a single disease but rather a condition with many different causes and common symptoms.
Chiropractic care offers a non-invasive, safe method of treatment that relies on natural healing processes rather than drugs or surgery. In many cases, although not all, chiropractic care can provide significant relief for arthritis sufferers. However, direct chiropractic adjustment of an arthritic joint is not recommended in every case. At Atlantic Chiropractic and Rehabilitation in Chesapeake, we can perform a thorough evaluation to determine whether we can assist you with your specific condition.
Types of Arthritis
The two primary types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage between two bones degrades, typically due to age or injury. In osteoarthritis, the bones come into direct contact, causing friction and joint pain. Often, these bones become misaligned, leading to reduced range of motion or even more severe pain.
Chiropractic treatment focused on realigning joints can often be effective for osteoarthritis. Traditional chiropractic care can help reposition the bones to their natural alignment, potentially reducing pain and preventing further deterioration of the joint's cartilage. In such cases, a chiropractor can slow the progress of arthritis.
Rheumatoid arthritis develops when joints become inflamed or diseased. Inflammation often occurs when the body's immune system attacks parts of the body, causing damage. These conditions can often be treated with anti-inflammatory drugs, although these medications can sometimes lead to osteoporosis, leaving the bones weakened and prone to fractures. We can perform a comprehensive evaluation to determine whether a particular joint can or should be treated with chiropractic adjustment.
Additional Treatments
Other forms of chiropractic care can be beneficial for rheumatoid arthritis sufferers. We offer a full range of diet and nutritional treatments that can address the underlying causes of inflammation. Additionally, we provide treatments that strengthen and normalize the body's natural immune system. These treatments focus less on the joints and more on the underlying condition.
Contact Atlantic Chiropractic and Rehabilitation
Are you looking for a chiropractor near me? If you live in or near Chesapeake and would like to learn more about how chiropractic care can aid in arthritis treatment, call us today to schedule an appointment. We take pride in serving our neighbors and welcome the opportunity to demonstrate how chiropractic care can help you lead a healthier life with less pain.