Despite the recent warm front, we are facing the certainty of winter. For millions of Americans – our neighbors, friends, and family members – the impact of the bone-chilling temperatures is exponentially more remarkable because of arthritis. have a more significant impact because of arthritis. Unfortunately, more than 100 different types of arthritis exist, and it’s essential to understand arthritis, its effects, and how to manage the symptoms and pain effectively.
PREPARING FOR A PAIN(FREE) SEASON
Think about arthritis in terms of preparing for the incoming winter season; we know it’s coming, and we must invest in the necessities to get through the snow, ice, and everything else winter has in store. It’s the same for arthritis; having the proper tools will ensure you’re not unprepared when the pain hits. You don’t want to wait for a full-blown snowstorm and complain because you forgot to buy a show blower!
So, in the spirit of winter prep, let’s go over some of the basics of arthritis and how you can use chiropractic care, physical therapy, and more to relieve pain and improve your range of motion for the long haul.
TYPES OF ARTHRITIS
While there are many different subgroups of arthritis, there are 3 main types:
- Rheumatoid Arthritis – Rheumatoid arthritis is a reaction from your immune system that is often genetic and has your body fighting against you. On the inside, your body attacks the tissue around the joints and other areas and can cause intense pain and discomfort.
- Osteoarthritis – People who suffer from osteoarthritis experience pain due to worn-down cartilage in their joints. Many factors can cause osteoarthritis, but some of the main areas it affects are your knees, spine, hips, shoulders, and fingers.
- Post-Traumatic Arthritis – Whether you are an aging high school or college athlete or have experienced a traumatic fall or accident, post-traumatic arthritis can haunt you long after successfully recovering from an injury.
RISK FACTORS FOR ARTHRITIS
As we alluded to above, millions of people struggle with arthritis due to various risk factors. Some of the principal risk factors include:
- Age – As you get older, your body and all the parts inside wear down from everyday use. Our bodies are a machine (one of the most powerful and intricate machines, but a machine, nonetheless.
- Gender – Sorry, ladies. Women have a higher risk of arthritis due to their unique joint structure centered on childbirth.
- Heredity – Genetics dramatically affects how your muscles, tissues, and bones come together. Blame your parents and grandparents!
- Weight – The more excess weight on your frame, the more stress on your joints. Keeping a healthy weight is within your control and will give you a better opportunity to fight arthritis.
- Career – If your work puts a lot of stress on your joints, it can increase your risk for arthritis.
HOW BACK TO HEALTH CAN HELP WITH PAIN MANAGEMENT
Let’s talk about how chiropractic care and a host of non-medical, holistic solutions can help you deal with arthritis issues once they have started and how you can work to prevent the onset of symptoms.
CHIROPRACTIC ADJUSTMENTS
Going in for routine maintenance adjustments can help your body work efficiently and promote proper alignment. When the body is adequately aligned, the joints will have less stress, which can help prevent arthritis symptoms from flaring up.
ACUPUNCTURE AND MASSAGE THERAPY
Chiropractic care is much more than just cracking bones. At Back to Health, we also offer acupuncture and massage therapy to help relieve pressure and inflammation from your joints. Acupuncture and massage are not only great for after you experience arthritis symptoms; use these tools as a preventive care method to keep your body relaxed.
While there is no cure for arthritis, and most people will have some form of it in their lifetime, there are ways to work on pushing back symptoms and managing them. Contact us about chiropractic care and develop a personalized plan built with your body type, lifestyle, and more in mind. If you have any questions or are interested in the next steps, don’t hesitate to contact us at 973-595-1809.