Chiropractic care and rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis and chiropractic care
Arthritis is the inflammation of one or more joints within the body. Symptoms are generally joint pain and stiffness that typically worsen with age. There are more than 100 different types of arthritis, but one of the most common is rheumatoid arthritis. While rheumatoid arthritis is progressive and incurable, the good news is that there are non-invasive, drug-free ways to manage the pain it can cause.

 

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system attacks the joints. In a properly functioning immune system, foreign substances such as viruses and bacteria are attacked and disabled. In the case of RA, the immune system sees the body’s joints as the foreign substance/invader and responds accordingly by attacking them. This attack creates an inflammatory response in the joint lining and associated cartilage and tissue. Pain, swelling and degradation of the joint can occur over time. If left unchecked, joints ultimately become loose, unstable,  and experience loss of mobility.

RA generally affects the joints farthest from the spine first, such as fingers, hands, wrists, ankles and knees. One distinguishing factor of RA is that it affects joints symmetrically, so both ankles or both hands. RA most commonly affects women more than men and symptoms generally begin to appear between the ages of 19 and 60.

Treating Pain from Rheumatoid Arthritis with Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic adjustments are a phenomenal way to provide some much needed relief while dealing with the pain of RA. The chiropractic adjustments performed are unique to the individual’s needs. They provide a non-invasive, non-addictive and safe option compared to prescription opioids, which are commonly prescribed to patients to help them manage their pain.

Below are some benefits for those with RA that certainly will aid the body’s journey to be healthy as possible:

 

• Clearer communication in the body – A chiropractic adjustment supports proper functioning of the nervous system. The nervous system is the master communication system, which controls the function of every system and organ in the body. Clearing the interference in the nervous system doesn’t guarantee a correction in immune system malfunction, but it does give your body the greatest chance for decreasing any additional stressors that may exacerbate symptoms.
• Increased motion – One of the symptoms of RA is decreased range of motion, and a chiropractic adjustment helps to restore joint restrictions in joints.
• Decreased inflammation – Chiropractic adjustments help decrease the inflammation process when proper joint motion is restored and proper nervous system functioning is supported. It can help decrease the inflammation process and associated pain.

 

As you can see, with so many benefits that directly combat symptoms caused by RA, chiropractic care can be an important tool to have in your health toolkit. Rheumatoid arthritis can leave you feeling overwhelmed, but understanding what it is and how your lifestyle and choices play a role in the disease are an important part of staying healthy.

 

Dr. Brian Augustine of Augustine Chiropractic in Wesley Chapel, FL, has over 31 years of experience treating patients for their neck pain and other ailments through personalized chiropractic care treatments. The locally owned and operated chiropractic clinic offers both in-office treatments and at-home therapy regimens to help people recover and heal from auto injuries and other conditions. The staff is dedicated to providing alternative and therapeutic solutions for better overall health. Give them a call today at (813) 994-6008 to schedule an appointment or visit their website to learn more about their services!