Can chiropractic care help with arthritis? This is a common question that people ask. While chiropractic care is strictly speaking not able to reverse arthritis, it can, however, help individuals deal with the stiffness and pain associated with the dysfunction.
The singular focus of chiropractic care is the detection and correction of spinal vertebral subluxations.
What is a vertebral subluxation?
A vertebral subluxation is a spinal condition where the joints and vertebrae in the spine lose their normal alignment and movement characteristics. If left untended for prolonged periods, vertebral subluxation can result in nerve, disc, bone, ligament, and muscle damage around the impacted region.
To put it simply, vertebral subluxation is a spinal misalignment that may result in nerve irritations around the affected area. Another way of referring to vertebral subluxation is joint dysfunction. It is vital to note that any joint dysfunction can result in impaired movement. For example, you may experience a reduction in flexibility when you turn and your head, but it can also go unnoticed.
The reduced range of motion is a direct impact of vertebral subluxation. Hence, it is the reason why assessing the position and mobility of your spine is a critical process during chiropractic care.
In addition to a reduced range of motion, vertebral subluxation may also affect your nervous system negatively. Hence, the reason why your spinal health is fundamental for your overall well-being. Improving your spinal alignment, flexibility, and movement with chiropractic care can help to boost your general well-being.
What about arthritis?
Arthritis can be broken down into two words: “Arthros”, which means bones or joints, and “Itis”, which means inflammation. In other words, arthritis is the chronic inflammation of joints and bones. Diagnosing that arthritis is the cause of your pain and aches will help to determine the best treatment plan to fix the root issue.
Here are some arthritis symptoms:
- Joint inflammation and pain
- Swelling of associated ligaments, muscles, and joint capsules
- Altered or restricted movement
- Tenderness to touch
- Stiffness
- Muscle tightness
- Continual popping or clicking
- Grinding sensation upon movement
- Increase in bone growth at inflamed region
When one suffers from joint dysfunction over an extended period, the inflammation will lay down new bones over the affected region in order to stabilise the injured joint. This causes the bones in that region to grow excessively. Over time, the change in movement combined with the inflammatory chemicals will attract bone cells to develop at the affected area, causing bone spurs to occur.
Wear and tear type of spinal degeneration is also known as osteoarthritis. Other names include spinal decay, spondylosis, and degenerative arthritis. Spinal degeneration is usually diagnosed through an x-ray. Degenerative arthritis is an obvious sign of chronic subluxation damage and is a vital factor in assessing the right approach to chiropractic adjustment.
Motion is key!
To put it simply, your spine needs to be mobile, flexible, and aligned in order for it to be healthy. Our joints are used regularly. The human body is designed to move, and flexibility is a clear indication of spinal health. Hence, being sedentary can be very damaging for the spine.
Chiropractic adjustment involves using controlled and gentle techniques and moves to realign the spine. These adjustments can help to restore proper spinal motion, optimise nerve function, and improve spinal alignment. Maintaining the flexibility of your spine with regular chiropractic care and physical activities can help prevent the development of arthritis.
Conclusion
In conclusion, chiropractic care cannot reverse arthritis. However, it can help to improve spinal motion, which is generally affected in arthritis, and target the associated pains and aches, alleviating the discomfort. Whether you are suffering from arthritis or dealing with pain and discomfort, Healing Hands Chiropractic can help you. We offer a wide range of chiropractic care, from knee pain treatment to frozen shoulder treatment. Contact us to make an appointment today!
