MY JOINTS GO OUT MORE THAT I DO
So says this popular tee shirt. But I can’t help wondering, "Could those joints be a result of osteoarthritis?"
Osteoarthritis is a wear and tear type of arthritis which affects millions of people throughout the world. It causes excruciating pain and limits mobility. The pain and stiffness the patient would experience is a result of the cartilage in their joints wearing down.
When we look into the causes of osteoarthritis, we are dealing with the unknown. But we do know of certain risk factors that can contribute to the development of this disease. They include age, obesity, joint injuries or trauma, genetic factors, and some medical conditions like diabetes or hormonal disorders. Also, occupational, or sports-related activities that result in repetitive stress on your joints can increase the likelihood of your developing osteoarthritis.
The symptoms of osteoarthritis will vary depending on which joint is affected.
Stiffness, joint pain, swelling, and a decreased range of motion are some of the common signs. Patients with osteoarthritis may also experience difficulty with any daily activities that involve joint movement, like walking, climbing stairs, or grasping objects. If the disease is in its advanced stage, the patient could develop bone spurs around the affected joint which would result in additional pain and structural changes.
There is no cure for osteoarthritis! However, Livingston Chiropractic can make a big difference in how you feel, and we can definitely improve the quality of your life.
Treatment may involve:
- Joint Manipulation and Mobilization: We use gentle and controlled techniques to apply specific pressure and restore proper alignment to the joints. This can help reduce pain and improve joint function.
- Soft Tissue Therapy: We use some soft tissue techniques like massage, stretching, and myofascial release to relieve muscle tension, improve blood flow, and promote healing in the surrounding tissues.
- Exercise Program: We will design a customized exercise program tailored to your needs and limitations. The goal of these exercises is to strengthen the muscles supporting your affected joints, to improve flexibility, and to enhance your overall joint stability.
- Lifestyle Recommendations: Livingston Chiropractic will provide you with advice on lifestyle modifications such as ergonomic changes, postural adjustments, and dietary recommendations that can support the management of osteoarthritis symptoms.
- Another important aspect of our chiropractic care for osteoarthritis is our focus on long-term wellness. Medications will definitely give you temporary relief, but they can have side effects while not addressing the underlying cause of the pain. On the other hand, chiropractic treatment’s aim is to correct the root cause of the problem by restoring proper alignment and function to the musculoskeletal system, promoting healing, and preventing future flare-ups.
- When you come to me at Livingston Chiropractic for the treatment of your osteoarthritis, I will also explore options such as physical therapy, acupuncture, and dietary supplements. While these options are quite effective in managing symptoms, chiropractic care targets the root cause of the pain, and does not mask it with temporary solutions.
- Nutritional Support: We focus on whole food nutrition to provide natural, safe, and effective means to reduce pain and inflammation associated with joint disfunction.
- Spinal Decompression: Spinal Decompression Therapy to axially unload degenerated/worn/decompressed discs to avoid costly surgeries or addictive medications.
In conclusion, chiropractic medicine is a holistic and non-invasive approach to managing osteoarthritis. The focus at Livingston Chiropractic is on correcting spinal misalignments, reducing inflammation, and improving overall joint function. Because I address the root cause of the pain, I help my patients experience long-lasting relief and an improved quality of life. Chiropractic care is the only treatment for osteoarthritis that is safe, effective, cost-efficient, and personalized. Call Dr. John Livingston at 440-528-0005, option 1.
