Can Going to a Chiropractor Help with Arthritis?

How Chiropractic Care Can Help Those Suffering from Arthritis

Arthritis is a painful and debilitating condition that affects over 50 million Americans. While medications, such as aspirin and ibuprofen, help with the pain and inflammation caused by arthritis, they only provide a few hours of relief at a time and lead to serious side effects. Chiropractic care, on the other hand, can provide longer-lasting results and, in some cases, may even slow down or stop the progression of arthritis.

Are you looking for an effective treatment for arthritis? Contact Unruh Spine Centers to learn more about how chiropractic care can provide much-needed relief for arthritis pain and other symptoms associated with the condition. Call (661) 288-0022 today to arrange a consultation with one of our experienced chiropractors in Santa Clarita.

What Is Arthritis?

Arthritis is not a single condition but rather a term used to describe swelling, tenderness, and stiffness in one or more joints. There is no cure for arthritis but many treatments for arthritis have greatly improved in recent years. Seeking treatment within the early stages of the condition in some cases can slow down the progression of the disease.

Types of Arthritis

While arthritis involves damage to the body’s joints, the two most common types of arthritis cause joint damage in different ways.

Osteoarthritis

The cartilage that cushions our body’s joints wears down as we age, often leading to a degenerative joint condition referred to as “osteoarthritis.” It is typically found in the knees, fingers, hips, and spine and most commonly affects older adults, those with professions involving repetitive motion, and athletes. 

Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which the body attacks the its own tissue and, more specifically, the lining of the joint capsule. This leads to a reduction in joint fluid and causes friction and inflammation within the joint. As the condition progresses, it can eventually destroy cartilage and bone within the joint.

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms vary depending on the type of arthritis.

Symptoms of osteoarthritis include the following:

• Joint pain
• Stiffness
• Tenderness
• Swelling
• Redness
• Decreased range of motion
• Grating sensation
• Bone spurs

Rheumatoid arthritis sufferers typically experience the following symptoms:

• Pain in one or more joint
• Stiffness in more than one joint
• Tenderness and swelling in more than one joint.
• Same symptoms on both sides of the body (such as in both knee joints)
• Fever
• Weight loss
• Weakness
• Fatigue

How Chiropractic Care Can Treat Arthritis

Chiropractic treatment is a natural, safe, and non-invasive way to manage symptoms and relieve pain caused by most forms of arthritis. It alleviates arthritis pain by mobilizing the joints and relieving pressure. However, chiropractic care cannot restore lost cartilage. 

People who have arthritis can greatly benefit from regular chiropractic care. These benefits include:

• Increased flexibility
• Improved range of motion
• A decrease in pain and discomfort
• Less stiffness
• Reduced inflammation

What Treatments Are Included?

The chiropractor will ask for the patient’s complete medical history, take X-rays, and run a variety of other tests that will determine the appropriate chiropractic adjustments. These adjustments are used in conjunction with other forms of treatment, including:

• Ultrasound - Sound waves and vibrations are used to penetrate deep tissue, reducing pain, swelling, and joint function. 
• Infrared sauna -  A controlled amount of heat is used to warm the joints from the inside, increasing circulation and reducing pain.
• Electrotherapy - This treatment administers mild electrical currents to repair and rebuild joint cartilage and strengthen the muscles needed to support weakened joints.
• Low-level laser - Also referred to as “cold laser,” this heat-producing laser reduces inflammation by penetrating deep into the tissue.

Contact Unruh Spine Centers Today to Learn More

Arthritis can drastically affect your quality of life, robbing you of the ability to do the things you love. But you don’t have to accept your fate and continue to suffer from the pain and discomfort of arthritis. Routine visits to the chiropractor can improve the effects of this debilitating condition as well as your overall health and wellness.

If you have arthritis and would like to discuss how chiropractic care can help, contact Unruh Spine Centers. Our Santa Clarita chiropractic care team is proud to offer cutting-edge technology and provide the highest quality of care possible to our patients. Take the first step toward a healthier, happier way of life by calling (661) 288-0022 and arranging a same-day consultation.