How Does Chiropractic Care Benefit Osteoarthritis Patients?

Posted on: 28 June 2016

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When you suffer from osteoarthritis, whether it is in your knees, hips, or other joints, it's easy to get frustrated with the pain and stiffness that keeps you from engaging in activities you used to love. While medications can take the edge off the pain, they don't work for everyone, and they often have unwanted side effects. If you're looking for a safer, more natural way to manage your osteoarthritis pain, consider seeing your chiropractor. Chiropractic care can ease your arthritis pain in a number of ways.

Preventing excess strain on joints.

When your back is out of alignment, you won't carry your weight evenly. One leg or arm – or some specific joints within your limbs – may be put under more strain than the other. This excess strain alone is enough to cause pain, but when combined with your arthritis, it can make symptoms even worse. Your chiropractor will adjust your back, which will ensure you carry your weight evenly. Without the excess strain being placed on them, your arthritic joints should feel less sore, and you may find yourself able to be more active without feeling sore afterwards.

Increasing flexibility.

One of the hallmark effects of arthritis is a decrease in flexibility and range of motion of the affected joints. When you do bend these joints too far, they feel very painful. By adjusting your spine, your chiropractor can alleviate points where your spine may be pressing on certain nerves or blood vessels that interact with your affected joints. Alleviating this pressure increases circulation to your joints and may also allow the muscles to relax and allow for greater flexibility. While it won't "cure" your arthritis, it will eliminate these often-concurrent issues that can make arthritis seem a lot worse.

Releasing endorphins.

When you have your spine adjusted, your body releases endorphins. These are natural chemicals produced in the brain, and they help alleviate pain throughout the body. So, immediately following your spinal adjustment, you will probably feel your arthritis pain ease up. Endorphins also relieve tension overall, which will leave you feeling looser and more relaxed. When you're looser and more relaxed, you're better able to exercise – and since exercise triggers the release of endorphins too, the pain-relieving effects will be extended.

If you're tired of letting arthritis pain get in the way of your daily life, contact Dimond Chiropractic Center or a similar location.