The main symptom of arthritis is joint pain. Did you know that ‘Arthritis’ means ‘Swollen Joint,’ affecting millions of people and preventing them from reaching their full potential?
There are over 100 different conditions causing arthritis, but osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease are the most common. The cause is ‘wear and tear’ and it happens much more rapidly when joints lose their alignment. With all arthritic conditions, pain is the main symptom and drugs are the all-too-common approach.
Arthritis is usually considered a long-term problem involving degeneration, often for life. Therefore, it should not be deemed advisable to take medication long term because of the potential side effects and adverse reactions.
There are, however, natural, non-toxic approaches to not only ease the pain but often improve function as well. Here are a few suggestions to consider.
Chiropractic Care
At Total Health Chiropractic, we practice various chiropractic techniques (including traditional) but much of our focus is based on the most researched and science-based care known as Chiropractic Biophysics (CBP).
CBP works to correct misalignments of the spine as a whole whilst improving function and this practice very often lessens or halts the rate of degeneration.
Misalignments can cause and exacerbate arthritis.
Moderate Activity
Keep your joints moving. Regular exercise helps strengthen the muscles around your joints, increases flexibility and combats fatigue. Any movement can help, but range-of-motion exercises, in particular, seem to reduce joint stiffness and pain. The type of arthritis and the affected joints will determine which exercises are ideal and which may increase your discomfort. Stretching, yoga and chiropractic will undoubtedly help improve and maintain your range of motion. Remember – Use it or lose it!
The Right Food
What you eat certainly plays a role in reducing arthritis pain OR can do just the opposite by making the pain even worse! Many arthritis patients experience relief when eating a nutritious, well-balanced diet (oily fish, fruits, vegetable, and whole grains) and may experience flare-ups when eating simple carbohydrates and fatty foods. Bananas, sweet peppers and soy products may also help.
Proper Body Mechanics
Body positioning during everyday movements can have a profound effect on joint stress and resulting pain. To minimize the stress on your joints throughout the day, maintain good posture. Bend at the knees when picking things up, and ensure your workspace provides adequate support for your neck, back, forearms and upper legs. Maintain your joints in correct alignment or risk aggravating the situation. Spines with great shape and movement generally experience very little arthritis.
Cervical Arthritis Testimonial
“A friend told me to try Total Health Chiropractic and I have to say – it was the best thing I have done. After a few short weeks, my pain is almost completely gone and I have near perfect movement again. Another thing, my headaches have completely vanished and I didn’t realize that this was related. When it was all explained to me, it made complete sense and I now understand the importance of being in alignment. It’s obvious really – can’t believe I never thought of it before”. Barry Parker
If you know anyone who is suffering from arthritis, then a simple check-up with us at Total Health Chiropractic could be the first step to helping them back to life with better function, less pain and a brighter future.
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