The term arthritis is a catchall for a number of different conditions that can cause joint pain, stiffness and decreased mobility. Most of these conditions appear in older people. The good news is that while arthritis can’t be cured, a chiropractor can often help relieve your pain and increase function and mobility. Here’s some information about arthritis and chiropractic care, courtesy of Back to Health Family Chiropractic in Fort Worth.
Arthritis Basics
You might not know that science has identified over 100 different kinds of arthritis. What all have in common, however, is similar symptoms, such as joint pain, stiffness, inflammation, and limited mobility. Osteoarthritis is the most common and is a degenerative disease. It results from the breakdown of protective cartilage in the joints. Autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, gout, and lupus make the immune system attack healthy tissue. These tend to affect more women than men. Traumatic arthritis usually occurs many years after an injury such as a fracture. Infections in one or more joints can cause the form known as septic arthritis.
Arthritis Symptoms and Diagnosis
No matter what the cause, certain symptoms occur with all types of arthritis. The first is inflammation. Pain in the joints is also common, as are stiffness – especially in the morning – and limitation of joint mobility. The specific symptoms and location of the pain help your doctor make a diagnosis. Blood tests are used to confirm the elevation of rheumatoid factors. X-rays and other imaging studies show bone spurs, deterioration of the bone structure or cartilage loss. If a joint infection and septic arthritis are suspected, you may need a joint aspiration. The fluid collected from the joint is examined under a microscope to identify bacteria or other organisms.
Our Chiropractor Can Help Your Arthritis
As noted above, arthritis cannot be cured. However, a chiropractor can offer a number of strategies to relieve inflammation and pain. For example, people with arthritis may change their posture or gait and limit activity because of pain. This shortens muscles and makes them tense, and can contribute to alignment problems in the joints. A chiropractic adjustment can correct this problem. Massage, passive stretching and the application of heat and cold can help improve mobility. Dietary counseling is helpful in identifying sources of inflammation, like refined foods.
Call Back to Health Family Chiropractic Today!
If you suffer from arthritic symptoms, please call Back to Health Family Chiropractic at (817) 810-9111. Our office at 6324 Camp Bowie Boulevard serves the residents of Fort Worth and the surrounding area with extended hours for your scheduling convenience. We treat patients of all ages and offer such specialized chiropractic techniques as Atlas Orthogonal adjustments. Don’t let arthritis hamper your ability to perform your daily tasks; we can help relieve pain and improve mobility.