Osteoarthritis Treatment In Murfreesboro, TN
Chiropractor for Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis, a condition characterized by the degeneration of joint cartilage due to wear and tear, primarily affects weight-bearing joints such as the spine, hips, knees, ankles, and hands. While it can occur in people of all ages, it becomes increasingly common with age.
This condition is often referred to by other names, such as arthritis, spondylitis, rheumatism, or rheumatics, which all describe the pain, stiffness, and discomfort associated with joint deterioration.
Osteoarthritis is the most prevalent joint disease in the United States. According to the NCBI, an estimated 11.5% of individuals aged 60 and above are affected by knee osteoarthritis.
Chiropractic care offers a natural and holistic approach to managing osteoarthritis. Continue reading to explore how chiropractic treatment can help alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life.
What is Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis develops over time due to the gradual wear and tear on joints and bones, resulting in the breakdown of cartilage. Unlike rheumatoid arthritis, which is an autoimmune condition, osteoarthritis is primarily caused by mechanical stress on joints.
Initially, the body attempts to compensate for cartilage damage by forming extra bone in affected areas. However, as cartilage continues to deteriorate, bones begin to rub against each other, leading to pain and reduced joint functionality.
Symptoms of Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis can affect various parts of the body, with symptoms often becoming more pronounced as the condition progresses. Common signs to watch for include:
- Persistent joint pain, especially after movement
- Joint stiffness, particularly after periods of inactivity
- Tenderness in the affected joints
- Reduced joint flexibility and range of motion
- A grating sensation during movement
- Development of bone spurs in the affected areas
- Swelling around the joints
When the spine is involved, it may lead to nerve irritation, causing symptoms like sciatica, numbness, or tingling in the legs.
Causes and Risk Factors
The primary cause of osteoarthritis is the gradual breakdown of cartilage, often resulting from years of repetitive stress on joints. Several factors can increase the risk, including:
- Age: Risk increases with age.
- Gender: Women are more likely to develop osteoarthritis.
- Joint Injuries: Previous injuries can lead to early onset.
- Repetitive Stress: Jobs or activities involving repetitive motion.
- Obesity: Extra weight puts more stress on joints.
- Genetics: Family history of osteoarthritis.
- Bone Deformities or Disorders: Conditions like hemochromatosis or diabetes.
How Chiropractic Treatment Can Help
Chiropractic care offers non-invasive methods to manage osteoarthritis by improving joint alignment, reducing pain, and enhancing mobility. Here’s how:
Chiropractic Adjustments:
Chiropractors use gentle adjustments to address joint misalignments, improving nerve function and reducing strain on affected joints. This helps alleviate pain and restore mobility.Ultrasound Therapy:
Ultrasound provides a therapeutic massaging effect that can reduce inflammation, stiffness, and swelling in affected joints.Electrotherapy:
Painless electrical pulses stimulate nerves and muscles, relieving soft tissue pain and promoting healing.Low-Level Laser Therapy:
A specialized light penetrates tissues to reduce inflammation and pain without generating heat.Infrared Sauna Therapy:
Controlled heat improves circulation and eases joint pain, promoting relaxation and healing.Lifestyle and Wellness Guidance:
Chiropractors provide comprehensive advice on managing stress, maintaining a healthy weight, improving sleep, and adopting an anti-inflammatory diet to support overall joint health.
Revolution Chiropractic Murfreesboro: Your Partner in Osteoarthritis Care
At Revolution Chiropractic Murfreesboro, our experienced chiropractors assess your condition to identify the affected joints and create a personalized treatment plan. We employ a combination of therapies, including adjustments, strengthening exercises, and advanced techniques like laser therapy, to provide holistic care.
Our goal is to help you regain mobility and reduce pain while improving your overall quality of life.
Take the first step toward managing osteoarthritis today. Schedule an appointment with our chiropractic team and explore your options for natural and effective osteoarthritis treatment.
Vitamins and Supplements for Osteoarthritis
Certain vitamins and supplements can support joint health and reduce inflammation:
- Curcumin (Turmeric): Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, curcumin may help reduce osteoarthritis pain, comparable to medications like diclofenac.
- Vitamin D: Essential for bone health and may alleviate symptoms.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Supports joint lubrication and reduces inflammation.
- Chondroitin Sulfate and Glucosamine: These supplements may slow the progression of osteoarthritis and improve joint function.
Discuss these options with your chiropractor or healthcare provider to determine the best regimen for your needs.
Book An Appointment
Request an appointment online by calling us on (615) 867-7693
You can also use the online booking tool below
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Chiropractors Help With Inflammation?
Chiropractic care has been shown to reduce the production of specific neuropeptides possibly. In turn, this might be a helpful strategy for reducing inflammation in the body. The adjustments made by a chiropractor could also reduce cytokine production.
Can Massage Help Osteoarthritis?
Massage is another alternative therapy that may be useful for people with osteoarthritis. Massage may assist in relieving the pain that the patient is experiencing. You may also find a release in stiffness among the affected joints. This could improve your range of motion.
Is There A Cure For Osteoarthritis Of The Spine?
No cure has been developed for osteoarthritis, including scenarios where the disease affects the spine. Treatment available focuses on reducing how quickly the disease progress and helping to alleviate your symptoms.
What Are The 4 Stages Of Osteoarthritis?
There are generally four stages related to osteoarthritis:
- Stage one means minor signs of osteoarthritis
- Stage two means mild signs of osteoarthritis
- Stage three means the disease has progressed to a moderate severity
- Stage four means the osteoarthritis is severe
How Do You Stop Osteoarthritis From Progressing?
There is no way to stop osteoarthritis from progressing entirely. A few treatments are available to help slow the disease down. Taking advantage of these can help delay some of the complications associated with the disease.
Does Osteoarthritis Hurt All The Time?
During the earlier stages of osteoarthritis, pain may be worse after movement. Some people find that the pain fluctuates with time. At a later stage, pain may become chronic.
Will Osteoarthritis Cripple Me?
Osteoarthritis does not cripple everyone. It depends on how quickly the disease progress and the joints deteriorate. It also depends on the specific joints in your body affected by the disease.
Does Medical Insurance Cover Osteoarthritis Treatment?
First, check your mattress; it may be one of the causes of neck pain. It is better to use an orthopedic mattress. Second, sleep with a good pillow that aligns your neck with your back and the rest of your body. The pillow should be comfortable and supportive. And third, sleep in a comfortable position, preferably on your back with a thin pillow on your side or between your knees.