As the leading cause of disability in the United States, arthritis affects over 54 million people. Despite how many people are impacted, some are still confused with what arthritis is. Arthritis simply refers to the inflammation of joints. In Greek, arthritis comes from the words ‘arthro-’ (meaning joint) and ‘-itis’ (meaning inflammation of). There are over 100 different types of arthritis, but the two most common are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. If you suffer from arthritis, you may be wondering what type of treatment options are available. Keep reading to discover how chiropractic care can help patients with arthritis.

Chiropractic Care Can Help Patients with Arthritis

Chiropractic care is an effective way to manage arthritis and find pain relief. Chiropractors perform safe, gentle, and non-invasive adjustments that do not need prescription drugs to be effective. To manage pain symptoms, traditional health care providers usually prescribe prescription opioids or recommend over-the-counter pain medications for patients with arthritis. Not only are these medications expensive, they also come with negative side effects, such as addiction, digestive issues, headaches, blurry vision, and even anemia. 

Indeed, chiropractic adjustments are completely natural and effective. These adjustments reduce joint misalignments in the spine and other joints, which decreases joint inflammation and improves the joints and nervous system’s functions. By improving joint mobility and the nervous system’s ability to communicate with the body, the body can then better manage symptoms associated with arthritis.

Reduce Your Pain

Chiropractors are highly trained at treating a variety of health conditions, including arthritis. These doctors perform a chiropractic adjustment, which properly aligns the spine. This allows the spinal cord nerves to send proper signals to the brain, which help balance out chemical production that sends pain signals. In turn, this will decrease how the body sends pain signals, so you can start feeling natural pain relief.

Reduce Your Muscle Tension

A misaligned spine typically causes patients’ muscles to retain pressure. This is caused by joint inflammation. Chiropractors can perform an adjustment, which will properly align the spine. Thus, a properly aligned spine will release that muscle tension. 

Improve Your Range of Motion

Anyone with arthritis knows how stiff and uncomfortable your joints can feel. Luckily, chiropractors can help address these symptoms associated with arthritis. By performing a chiropractic adjustment, these holistic experts can improve the motion of your spine, hips, and shoulders. In turn, this will properly align your spine and improve your range of motion. With better mobility, patients will find that their stiffness is reduced and their joints feel less tense.

If you or someone you know has arthritis, we encourage you to consider chiropractic care as a treatment plan. Depending on your health needs, you may find that chiropractic is a good supplement to your existing health care plan or can be the primary treatment. No matter what your needs are, the team at West Michigan Chiropractic in Portage, MI would love to help you live life to your fullest potential.