So you have arthritis … now what?
Arthritis, osteoarthritis, degenerative joint disease — these all generally mean the same thing. There has been excessive wear-and-tear on one or more joints, causing the soft cushion around the bones, known as the cartilage, to break down and wear thin. This mechanical wear as bones rub together can cause pain and stiffness.
Arthritis is not reversible. But it is treatable. As chiropractors, our goal at Madison Chiropractic is to help our patients as naturally as possible, without the need for OTC medication or opioids. Chiropractic adjustments can be a very effective treatment as they improve joint function, reduce inflammation, and restore movement of the bones.
All too often we hear our patients say, “Oh, my medical doctor said I have arthritis in my neck, so don’t adjust my neck because it’ll make it worse.” That is precisely the opposite of what this patient needs. This patient may not be a candidate for a manual neck adjustment (picture the neck getting turned/twisted quickly), but they absolutely are a candidate for gentler neck adjustments using such tools as the Activator or ArthroStim. This patient needs adjustments to keep the joints moving as best as possible to prevent further progression of the arthritis.
Reducing the inflammation associated with arthritis using Deep Tissue Laser Therapy is another non-invasive treatment we recommend and find very effective.
Lastly, we don’t want to forget the basics of supporting joint and ligament repair through nutritional changes. Eat a diet full of nutrient-dense foods (vegetables, fruits and protein) and avoid inflammatory oils (hydrogenated and canola, sunflower seed oils), grains and sugar. Adding joint support supplements that include glucosamine and collagen are also great add-ins.
Madison Chiropractic is always here to help on your natural healing journey. Let us know how we can support you.
