Chiropractic for Arthritis

Arthritis is known by many names—but all of them indicate a condition that can be both painful and debilitating. In some manifestations, it is an autoimmune disorder of the joints, and in others it occurs when the cartilage that lines the joint surfaces wears out. It comprises over 100 diseases and conditions. Chiropractic has been proven remarkably effective in treating arthritis and its symptoms, both in genetic and non-genetic related forms of arthritis.   Osteoarthritis is the most common form of the disease and is a degenerative disorder of the joints. It occurs primarily as people age and the joints “wear out”; it sometimes occurs due to physical injuries that permanently damaged the joints.

Overall, 46 million Americans suffer with either self-reported, or physician-diagnosed arthritis. That number is expected to climb to 67 million by 2030 as the population ages. Arthritis is the most common cause of disability with 19 million adults in the United States reporting that they suffered activity limitation due to arthritis between 2003 and 2005. In those aged 18—64 about one in twenty adults suffered work limitations due to arthritis, and in one-third of those with arthritis. Annual hospitalizations due to arthritis number approximately 750,000, with 35 million outpatient visits, also due to arthritis. Complications from arthritis account for about 9,500 deaths annually. The estimated annual cost to the health care system is $128 billion.

Chiropractic provides not only a resolution of chronic pain, but also the potential for addressing the disease with more flexible methods that focus on long-term health. Many people believe that the diagnosis of arthritis came with the dreaded anticipation that normal activities would become a part of a previous life. With chiropractic and the benefits it provides, arthritis can become a manageable ailment that, along with exercise and a healthy diet, will no longer be feared.

Chiropractic focuses on adjusting the spine as well as other joints in order to increase movement and reduce pain.  Regular chiropractic adjustments can also help prevent arthritis.  The lifestyle changes and therapies associated with chiropractic will influence diet, exercise, and maintaining the body’s alignment. Proper weight, motion, and a healthy immune system are important factors in limiting the devastating effects of arthritis, especially osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Once arthritis does occur, Chiropractic adjustments increase a greater ease of movement and decrease fluid build-up in the joints that often accompanies arthritic conditions.  Using chiropractic instead of prescription medicines for pain relief, or over-the-counter medications such as NSAIDs, can reduce the chances of experiencing harmful side effects from long-term use. It offers a non-invasive method of maintaining physical health and addresses such conditions as arthritis in a way that will offer freedom of movement without the deteriorating effects that might come with medication.

Dr. David Durso, D.C. is the owner of Advanced Spine and Sport and a board certified chiropractor in the State of Connecticut.  For more information visit advancedspineandsport.com or call for an appointment at 203.553.9300.