How a Chiropractor Can Help With Joint Pain

A chiropractor can help you deal with joint pain that stops you from enjoying physical activities and exercise routines. Joint pain stops your mobility. It makes sports, exercises, and sometimes, even basic movements challenging. Surgery and medication are the most common treatment methods for joint pain. Chiropractic treatment is also a great solution.

The role of a chiropractor in joint pain

Chiropractic care can benefit the muscles and joints. It is also known to address problems in all systems of the body. Adjusting the spine will involve eliminating restrictions found in the vertebrae. In the process, the practice will also reduce the tension in the joints. It will promote mobility and function as well.

The treatment typically lasts for weeks, depending on the cause of the joint pain. For some, this length of treatment is acceptable. After all, chiropractic treatment will not involve medications and surgeries. The chiropractor might suggest diet restrictions and vitamin supplements. They will also use different techniques such as the following:

• Stretching and massage
• Spinal manipulation therapy
• Heat and cold therapy
• Low-level laser
• Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation
• Ultrasound
• Strengthening exercises

Joints that are affected

Most people will associate chiropractic treatment with back pain. A third of those seeking this kind of treatment suffer from spinal problems. But, a chiropractor can also adjust joints. Aside from the back, chiropractors can also work on the neck, shoulders, elbows, knees, wrists, and ankles. Adjustments in these areas will relieve the pain and improve their mobility.

Reduces nerve pressure

Joint pain can sometimes be caused by nerve pressure. That tingling sensation can be difficult to manage without medication. Chiropractic treatment can eliminate the need for medicine. It already realigns the spine to remove the pressure on the nerve endings. Once the pressure is off, the pain will decrease.

Stiffness and body movement

People who suffer from joint pain will find it difficult to go about their usual tasks. Exercising, playing sports, and doing household chores will be more difficult. Movement is essential in addressing joint pain. But, movement is impossible when people are dealing with joint pain.

A chiropractor can teach strengthening exercises. This can keep the spine better aligned. On top of that, the exercise will improve mobility and slowly reduce the pain. Small movements will help unknot the muscles and relieve tension on the nerves.

Joint problems addressed by chiropractic treatment

The most common kind of arthritis and the main cause of joint problems is osteoarthritis. The condition is caused by the wearing down of the cartilage that cushions the joints. As the cartilage disappears, the bones rub against each other. This condition causes pain and swelling.

Chiropractors also help with rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis. These joint diseases happen because the immune system is attacking the healthy tissue. With these conditions, patients still have to work with their medical doctors. The primary treatment for these types of arthritis is still medication. But, chiropractors do not prescribe medicines.