Back Clinic Arthropathies Chiropractic and Physical Therapy Team. Charcot’s is degeneration of a weight-bearing joint and arthrogryposis which means, “curving of joints.” this is a general term that describes any disease of the joints. A group of disorders can afflict the joints, such as sacroiliitis, which causes inflammation in the sacroiliac joint. Doctors use arthropathy interchangeably with arthritis, which means “joint inflammation.”The forms that are distinct from arthritis are Neuropathic arthropathy, nerve damage from diabetes, or other nerve conditions resulting in slow damage to joints.
In diabetic people, arthropathy usually affects the foot and ankle. Hypertrophic pulmonary osteoarthropathy is where the bone ends of the ankles, knees, wrists, and elbows start to grow abnormally and painfully. Fingertips start to become rounded, called “clubbing.” This form of arthropathy usually happens to people with lung cancer. And Hemarthrosis is when blood leaks into a joint like the knee. This occurs after injuries or medical procedures and is a problem in people with hemophilia.
Psoriatic arthritis can develop in individuals who have psoriasis, affecting various joints, especially the knees. Psoriasis is a skin condition that causes skin cells to build up and form patches of itchy, dry skin known as plaques. Psoriatic arthritis is a long-term inflammatory disease that can cause inflammation, stiffness, and pain. Symptoms can progressively worsen over time without treatment. Early diagnosis is vital to minimize damage to the joints and slow the condition’s progress with treatment.
Psoriatic Arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis symptoms like stiffness and swelling can present differently from person to person. For example, some individuals with psoriatic knee arthritis will experience stiffness or pain in one knee, while others experience symptoms in both knees. Psoriatic arthritis in the knee can also cause swelling in the surrounding:
Ligaments
Tendons
Synovial membranes
Symptoms can also present in the:
Elbows
Feet
Hands
Symptoms
Symptoms usually begin between the ages of 30 and 50. Common symptoms include:
Stiffness after resting or sleeping.
Swelling.
Inflammation in the knee and surrounding area.
Warm or hot skin on the knee from the inflammation.
Pain in and around the joints, tendons, or ligaments.
Joint sticking, difficulty moving, or reduced range of motion.
Other symptoms include:
Back pain
Fatigue
Pain and redness in the eyes
Swollen fingers or toes
Difficulty walking from pain in the feet or Achilles tendon.
The severity of psoriasis does not determine psoriatic arthritis symptoms. Symptoms can go through a pattern of relapses and remissions. Individuals can have a sudden attack where symptoms get worse over a short time. After the flare-up, symptoms can improve as the condition goes into remission. Symptoms may not present for a long time until another flare-up. For example, an individual may have severe psoriasis but only mild psoriatic arthritis.
Causes
Psoriatic arthritis develops when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells and tissues. The faulty immune response causes the body to quickly generate new skin cells that stack on top of each other forming plaques. When the condition affects the joints, it leads to inflammation. While there is no apparent cause for psoriatic arthritis, researchers have found connections to genetics and the environment, as well as, individuals with close relatives that have psoriatic arthritis could be more likely to develop the condition. Other factors that could influence the development include:
Severe psoriasis
Traumatic injury/s
Obesity
Nail disease
Smoking
The condition can happen at any age, but according to the National Psoriasis Foundation, most individuals first notice symptoms about ten years after their psoriasis begins. However, only 30% of individuals with psoriasis develop psoriatic arthritis.
Diagnosis
Doctors use imaging tools to diagnose psoriatic arthritis in the knee. They will use:
MRI
X-rays
Ultrasound
To help them check for irregularities or signs of inflammation in the joint and surrounding tissues.
Additional tests are used to rule out other common forms of arthritis like rheumatoid and osteoarthritis.
Blood tests check for inflammation and specific antibodies.
In some cases, a small amount of fluid from the joint is taken to help eliminate the possibility of other underlying conditions like an infection.
Treatment
There is currently no cure for psoriatic arthritis, but treatments are being developed and show promise for long-term management. Current treatments focus on managing symptoms and improving the quality of life for the individual.
Biologics
Biologic medications like tumor necrosis factor or TNF inhibitors are recommended as the first-line therapy for most individuals with a new diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis. These meds help block TNF, which plays a crucial role in inflammation. They have shown to be effective at reducing the severity of symptoms and the frequency of flare-ups. Biologics can cause unwanted side effects, especially in individuals that experience frequent infections and need routine monitoring.
Small Molecule Medications
Individuals that cannot use biologic medications may be recommended a new class of medication called oral small molecules or OSMs. Examples include apremilast – Otezla and tofacitinib – Xeljanz.
Disease-modifying Antirheumatic Drugs
Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs – DMARDs are a long-term option. They are used to slow the progression of psoriatic arthritis, and examples include methotrexate and cyclosporine. DMARDs work best when an individual begins taking them as early as they can take time to work. However, individuals are encouraged to continue taking them, even if symptoms do not improve right away.
Easing Inflammation
A doctor may prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs – NSAIDs and corticosteroid injections when knee symptoms flare-up. These are short-term treatments that provide immediate relief, as long-term use can lead to side effects. Individuals can find relief with combined self-care that includes:
Taking over-the-counter NSAIDs like ibuprofen/Advil or naproxen/Aleve.
Applying ice and heat packs.
Gentle exercise to promote a full range of motion.
Gentle stretching or yoga can help relax tight muscles.
However, chiropractic is not the primary treatment for arthritis but is intended to be used in combination to relieve pain, loosen and stretch the muscles and balance the body.
InBody
Strength, Balance, and Improved Body Composition
Functional fitness is the ability to move comfortably every day. The benefits of physical activity also contribute to improved body composition. Working to reach a certain level of functional fitness can help the aging process that has been shown to reduce metabolic rate. Inactivity is why individuals lose Lean Body Mass as they age, leading to increased body fat. Lean Body Mass contributes to the body’s overall Basal Metabolic Rate or BMR, also known as metabolism. This is the number of calories the body needs to support essential functions. Everyone is encouraged to engage in strength training or resistance exercises, but specifically older adults. This can help regain muscle loss which can lead to an increase in lean body mass. The increase in Lean Body Mass increases BMR, which helps prevent fat gain.
References
Chang, K. L., et al. (2015). Chronic pain management: Nonpharmacological therapies for chronic pain [Abstract]. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25970869
Chiropractic care for arthritis. (n.d.). arthritis.org/health-wellness/treatment/complementary-therapies/physical-therapies/chiropractic-care-for-arthritis
Managing rheumatoid arthritis is an ongoing balancing act. Flare-ups can still present despite following the rheumatologist’s lifestyle instructions, proper medication use, and a well-maintained RA plan. Monitoring daily activities can help minimize the chances of experiencing episodes.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Flare-Ups
A rheumatoid arthritis flare-up is a short-term escalation of arthritis symptoms. A flare-up can go away within a day or can persist for several weeks or months. A flare-up usually involves joint stiffness and pain but can also present as any symptoms worsening. If the flare-up is severe, it can affect the ability to perform regular everyday activities.
Symptoms
Symptoms can vary, and not every person experiences the same. Most individuals describe flare-ups with a sudden increase in:
Pain
Stiffness
Swelling
Limited joint mobility
Fatigue
Symptoms that feel like the flu.
Frequency and severity can also vary.
Back Pain Symptoms
Rheumatoid arthritis can affect many joints. It is the inflammation of a joint’s synovial membrane. These include the facet joints in the spine. The most commonplace in the spine affected by rheumatoid arthritis is the upper neck, around the base of the skull. The joints at the top of the neck get inflamed and can become unstable or form abnormal tissue that sticks out and compress the spinal cord.
Triggers
Several potential flare-up triggers include:
Stress
Not getting enough sleep
Medication changes
Injury
Excessive physical activity and/or exercise
Repetitive overuse injury
Smoking
Spinal infections
Airborne toxins can also be a trigger to a flare-up. Substances include chemicals like household cleaners. Switching to organic and environmentally safe cleaners can help. Airborne toxins are a concern in densely populated cities and areas that experience air pollution and smog. To minimize risks, staying indoors during times of poor air quality is recommended.
However, flare-ups can happen without an identifiable trigger. Certain foods can increase inflammation and could contribute to a flare-up, including:
Avoiding these foods and following a diet that has been developed to prevent symptoms will help significantly. The objective is to learn to identify an RA flare-up to moderate activities accordingly.
Prevention
Managing any chronic medical condition is challenging, especially when trying to predict when a flare-up will happen. There is not a foolproof strategy for prevention, but advice that can help minimize the risks of an RA flare-up.
Understand that the disease can change over time. This means changes in medications and the need for multi-approach treatment. Learning healthy self-care techniques will go a long way in managing symptoms.
Body Composition
Antioxidants protection
Metabolic processes, like energy production, and environmental pollution, can result in free radical production. These are highly reactive molecules that can damage the body’s cells and lead to oxidative stress. This can develop into a disease, including heart disease. The body has natural protective mechanisms to neutralize free radical molecules, including glutathione, which is the body’s top antioxidant. If glutathione becomes depleted because of increased free radicals, the body switches to dietary antioxidants from food as a secondary defense.
Pham-Huy, Lien Ai et al. “Free radicals, antioxidants in disease and health.” International Journal of biomedical science: IJBS vol. 4,2 (2008): 89-96.
Rheumatoid arthritis is said to affect around 1.5 million individuals. Recognized as an autoimmune condition that presents with chronic pain in the body’s joints. It commonly affects regularly used joints like the shoulders, hands, and feet. The condition can begin to present in individuals in their 30s. Concerns that come with a rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis are the condition’s effect on the spinal facet joints. These joints are susceptible to attack from a dysfunctional immune system, leaving them prone to weakness, inflammation, and nerve compression. Chiropractors understand the manifestation of rheumatoid arthritis. They can pinpoint at-risk facet joints and provide corrective relief before more dangerous symptoms begin to present.
Facet joint risks
There are two facet joints that connect each vertebra to the one above and below. Their objective is to stabilize the spine, whether in a neutral position or engaged in flexion/extension movement. When targeted by the body’s immune system, the joints begin to weaken. The body attacks the synovial fluid that lubricates the joints. This creates friction that generates inflammation. Over time the joints break down leading to everything from loss of mobility to bone spurs. When left untreated the facet joints begin to deteriorate, causing nerve compression that can lead to permanent nerve damage. When the joints are not working properly the spine has to work around them.
Subluxations
Disc herniation
Ruptured discs
Sciatica all are possible with facet joint dysfunction.
Treatment
Currently, rheumatoid arthritis cannot be cured but symptoms can go into remission when treatment begins early.Chiropractic is an effective treatment at disrupting the symptoms of joint deterioration that stops the progression.
It has the ability to increase and maintain an individual’s range of motion, from a condition that causes loss of mobility.
It helps to bring rapid pain relief and helps with postural improvements.
It maintains positive spinal health and homeostasis.
Prevents problems with compression and subluxations.
Stretching and strengthening exercises are incorporated to preserve an individual’s spinal integrity.
Diet and nutrition are also adjusted to mitigate the effects, helping with inflammation prevention.
The spinal focus
As rheumatoid arthritis affects the body’s joints, it is vital to protect the facet joints. These joints can experience degenerative damage that can cause long-term problems. Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic provide individuals with the tools necessary to combat rheumatoid arthritis that medications by themselves might not be able to.
Body Composition
Muscle Mass Fitness for Long-Term Health
Muscle building is not just for bodybuilders and athletes. Everyone benefits from building muscle for long-term health. Monitoring the changes in Lean Body Mass can be accomplished by having body composition measured. Body composition analysis can divide an individual’s weight into various components. These include:
Fat Mass
Lean Body Mass
Basal Metabolic Rate will give a clearer picture of overall fitness and health.
Building Lean Body Mass is an investment for maintaining health long-term. The more Lean Body Mass that is built the more is in storage/reserve when the body really needs it. Before adding protein shakes and resistance workouts to the daily regimen, a plan needs to be developed. The first step to building a healthy level of lean body mass is to measure how much there is with a body composition analysis.
Disclaimer
The information herein is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional, licensed physician, and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make your own health care decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified health care professional. Our information scope is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, sensitive health issues, functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from a wide array of disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the musculoskeletal system’s injuries or disorders. Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to and support, directly or indirectly, our clinical scope of practice.* Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900.
Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, CCST, IFMCP, CIFM, CTG* email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com phone: 915-850-0900 Licensed in Texas & New Mexico
References
Pope JE, Cheng J. Facet (Zygapophyseal) Intraarticular Joint Injections: Cervical, Lumbar, and Thoracic. Injections for Back Pain. 129-135. ClinicalKey.com. Accessed July 16, 2019.
Brummett CM, Cohen SP. Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Zygapophyseal (Facet) Joint Pain. 816-844. ClinicalKey.com. Accessed July 16, 2019.
Inflammatory spinal arthritis can cause significant joint pain and severely damage sleep quality. Any of the following conditions can cause individuals to experience sleep problems:
Spondylosis (osteoarthritis)
Rheumatoid arthritis
Ankylosing spondylosis
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis
Dr. Jimenez from Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic gives insight into how inflammatory spinal arthritis can disrupt healthy sleep, along with some tips to help individuals with joint pain restore healthy sleep.
Inflammatory Spinal Arthritis and Sleep
First, it is not just the joint pain of arthritis that is causing sleep problems. Research is discovering that more factors could be at play. A study in the journal SLEEP examined how individuals with chronic pain, including osteoarthritis slept. What was revealed was a strong connection between chronic pain and insomnia.
Insomnia can lead to added joint pain because poor sleep can trigger inflammatory pathways that worsen arthritis pain. Plus a poor night of sleep can heighten an individual’s perception of pain the next day. Arthritis pain does not just impact the sleep of adults, but young individuals with juvenile idiopathic arthritis can also struggle with getting healthy sleep. Sleep, pain levels, and mood are strongly related.
Sleep Tips
Achieving quality sleep and a well-rested body can be done. Things to consider to help secure a healthy sleep.
Medication interference/side effects
Corticosteroids could be part of the sleep problem, as corticosteroid treatment has been linked to insomnia. If struggling to fall asleep, talk with a doctor about altering any prescribed medication regimen before sleep like taking aspirin or a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory NSAID medication in its place.
Adjust sleep position to joint pain
If the neck is sore/aching rest the head on a flat pillow so the cervical spine is in a neutral position. For low back joint pain, individuals might find relief by sleeping on their back or side with the knees and hips flexed at a 90-degree angle. For hip joint stiffness, sleeping on the side with a pillow between the legs is recommended.
A firm mattress and support pillow
A firm mattress will support the body and help reduce pain. The right pillow/s are also important for healthy sleep. A lumbar and cervical pillow can help cushion tender areas.
Readjust chores
Joint pain first thing in the morning needs time to adjust. For morning physical chores try to reschedule for later on in the day or if possible the night before. This could be fixing lunches, picking out clothes, preparing breakfast, or packing the work case, tools, etc. The extra time will reduce morning stress and allow the body to gently adjust.
Wake up and stretch
With joint pain in the morning, some gentle stretching can help. Doing some stretches before even getting out of bed will help minimize pain and allow the body to gradually prepare for movement. Follow the stretch session up with a hot shower to loosen stiff joints.
Increase Sleep Quality
Sleep problems can affect anyone even those that don’t have inflammatory spinal arthritis/joint pain. There could be other issues causing sleep problems unrelated to joint pain. If still not getting quality sleep, talk to a rheumatologist about available options.
Body Composition
Osteoarthritis and Exercise
Obesity is a significant risk factor in the development of osteoarthritis. This is not only from the effects of extra weight on the body’s joints but also as a result of the pro-inflammatory effects of adipose tissue. The hips and knees are the weight-bearing joints. Excessive adipose tissue on the midsection and legs have been shown to negatively impact these weight-bearing joints.
Promoting Lean Body Mass and encouraging weight loss can potentially lower the risk of osteoarthritis and improve the quality of life. Gentle exercise is regarded as safe for individuals with osteoarthritis and is a key component to improve body composition, reduce body fat mass, improve lean body mass and maintain a healthy weight. Improving body composition and utilizing exercise in weight management can have a direct and positive effect on joint health.
Dr. Alex Jimenez�s Blog Post Disclaimer
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, and sensitive health issues and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate and support directly or indirectly our clinical scope of practice.*
Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation as to how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas& New Mexico*
References
Myers W. 9 Ways to Rise and Shine With Osteoarthritis. Everyday Health.�http://www.everydayhealth.com/osteoarthritis/ways-to-rise-and-shine-with-osteoarthritis.aspx. Last updated September 25, 2014. Accessed April 18, 2017.
Watson S. Why Osteoarthritis Could Disrupt Your Sleep�and Your Partner�s. Arthritis Foundation. www.arthritis.org/living-with-arthritis/comorbidities/sleep-insomnia/osteoarthritis-and-sleep.php. Accessed April 18, 2017.
Our diet can significantly affect inflammation in our bodies. Several foods can increase inflammation while other foods can reduce inflammation. According to healthcare professionals, a diet that is high in sugar may be associated with chronic inflammation. A systematic review in 2018 demonstrated that eating excess sugar can ultimately cause inflammation and a variety of other health issues, such as diabetes. Another 2014 research study showed that people who decreased their consumption of sugary or sweetened drinks had reduced inflammation. These research findings support the theory that eating excess sugar can cause chronic inflammation and various other diseases, including diabetes.
How Sugar Can Cause Inflammation
Healthcare professionals have tried to understand how eating excess sugar can cause chronic inflammation. Sugar triggers the production of free fatty acids in the liver. When the human body digests these free fatty acids, the resulting compounds can trigger inflammation. Different types of sugar may also cause more inflammation. By way of instance, one research study found that fructose can cause more inflammation than glucose. However, a systematic review found that fructose didn’t cause more inflammation than glucose. Therefore, further research studies are still required to determine which types of sugar may cause more inflammation. Symptoms associated with chronic inflammation can include:
pain and fatigue
sleeping problems or insomnia
anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders
digestive problems like acid reflux, constipation, and/or diarrhea
weight gain or obesity
constant infections
People with chronic inflammation may also have an increased risk of developing a variety of other health issues, including diabetes and dementia. Chronic inflammation in older adults may also be associated with an increased risk of death.
Health Issues Caused by Chronic Inflammation
Observational research studies in humans have associated diets with high added sugar and refined carbohydrates to the increased risk of developing a variety of health issues, including diabetes, IBD, liver disease, dementia, and arthritis.
Diabetes
Research studies showed a connection between the increased consumption of added sugar and type 2 diabetes. A large analysis that included over 38,000 participants found that simply consuming one serving of sweetened drinks or beverages on a regular basis was associated with an 18 percent increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Another research study found that increasing the consumption of high-fructose corn syrup was also associated with diabetes.
Other Diseases
Increased consumption of added sugar and refined carbohydrates has also been associated with the development of other diseases, such as arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, liver disease, and dementia. Furthermore, excess fructose consumption has been associated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Healthcare professionals believe this may be due to a combination of ongoing low-grade inflammation, increased gut permeability, and bacterial overgrowth in the gut.
Other Foods That Can Cause Inflammation
sugary foods like pastries, desserts, and chocolate
saturated fats from processed meats and dairy products
trans fats found in fast, fried, foods
vegetable and seed oils
refined carbohydrates
excessive alcohol
MSG in prepared Asian foods and deli meats
For information regarding how excess sugar can cause chronic inflammation and various other health issues like diabetes, please review this article:
Diet can affect inflammation in our bodies. Several foods can increase inflammation while other foods can reduce inflammation. A diet that is high in sugar may be associated with inflammation. Numerous research studies have demonstrated that eating excess sugar can ultimately cause chronic inflammation and various other diseases, including diabetes. Because sugar triggers the production of free fatty acids in the liver, it can also trigger inflammation. Excess sugar can cause chronic inflammation. Different types of sugar may also cause different amounts of inflammation. There are many symptoms associated with chronic inflammation, including pain, fatigue, obesity, anxiety, and depression, among others. Inflammation can lead to a variety of health issues, such as diabetes and arthritis. Although excess sugar is associated with chronic inflammation, other foods like saturated fats and refined carbohydrates can also cause health issues. In the following article, we discuss how sugar can cause inflammation and a variety of other health issues, such as diabetes, in the human body. – Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C., C.C.S.T. Insights
Sea Green Smoothie
Servings: 1 Cook time: 5-10 minutes
� 1/2 cup cantaloupe, cubed
� 1/2 banana
� 1 handful of kale or spinach
� 1 handful of Swiss chard
� 1/4 avocado
� 2 teaspoons spirulina powder
� 1 cup of water
� 3 or more ice cubes
Blend all ingredients in a high-speed blender until completely smooth and enjoy!
Leafy Greens Hold the Key to Gut Health
A unique type of sugar found in leafy greens can help feed our beneficial gut bacteria. Sulfoquinovose (SQ) is the only known sugar molecule to be made up of sulfur, an extremely essential mineral in the human body. The human body uses sulfur to produce enzymes, proteins, and a variety of hormones as well as antibodies for our cells. A fast and easy way to get leafy greens into your diet is to toss a couple of handfuls of them into a delicious smoothie!
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, and sensitive health issues and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate and support directly or indirectly our clinical scope of practice.* Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation as to how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas*& New Mexico*�
Curated by Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C., C.C.S.T.
References:
Spritzler, Franziska. �6 Foods That Cause Inflammation.� Healthline, Healthline Media, 12 Nov. 2019, www.healthline.com/nutrition/6-foods-that-cause-inflammation#1.
Caporuscio, Jessica. �Does Sugar Cause Inflammation? What the Research Says.� Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, 19 Sept. 2019, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326386.
Brown, Mary Jane. �Does Sugar Cause Inflammation in the Body?� Healthline, Healthline Media, 12 Nov. 2017, www.healthline.com/nutrition/sugar-and-inflammation.
Reducing stress is important for emotional well being and physical health. Rheumatoid arthritis is a complex condition with no cure and can cause intense chronic pain. Stress only exacerbates the symptoms, affects pain perception, and weakens the body. Stress management is highly important for reducing pain. In a weakened state, an individual is more vulnerable to arthritis symptoms, like flare-ups, weakness, and fatigue.�Chiropractic can help.
There are non-surgical treatments for arthritis, like medications, physical, and massage therapy that address the physical nature of the condition. By eliminating stressful triggers and making healthy behavioral/lifestyle changes a better sense of well being can be achieved.
Different emotions can run rampant:
Confusion
Frustration
Anger
Sadness
Helplessness
And all of these feelings can generate intense stress on an individual. Chiropractic excels in wellness and is becoming more common for individuals to visit chiropractic clinics for treating a variety of different kinds of pain symptoms and conditions. Chiropractic adjustments provide countless benefits to those with arthritis. We�ll explore how chiropractic can help those with arthritis and give additional information along with suggestions on how to alleviate the pain.
What Chiropractic Does
A doctor of chiropractic is a health professional that focuses on wellness and optimal health instead of ailment/sickness symptoms. Their specialty aims at adjusting the spine to correct misalignments that could be pressing down on nerves and causing major disruption in the body. Regular chiropractic not only restores health throughout the body but helps alleviate back pain and any other symptoms associated with an out of alignment spine.
They also work in setting up exercise programs specific to the condition being treated along with the proper diet to utilize in assisting with the management of inflammation and pain.
Arthritis
Arthritis is inflammation in the body’s joints which results in pain, stiffness and limited range of movement. There are over 200 different varieties of arthritis. Generally associated with age, it can affect young people. It can strike pretty much any area of the body. Arthritis can cause damage to soft tissues and muscles.
Osteoarthritis also known as degenerative joint disease, is the most common type. It comes from repeated trauma to the joints and occurs more often in the elderly.
Other forms include:
Rheumatoid arthritis is the second common type in which the body�s immune system attacks the joint/s.
Psoriatic arthritis, an autoimmune form of arthritis.
Ankylosing spondylitis is a type of arthritis where the body attacks itself.
Septic arthritis is caused by a viral or bacterial infection of the joint/s.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing arthritis involves a thorough physical examination. Rheumatologists often need help with these cases, and so a medical work-up can be done and a chiropractor could be recommended. This includes X-rays or MRIs, urine, blood analysis, and physical examinations. Having the condition properly diagnosed will help to more effectively treat the symptoms.
Chiropractic
The most common treatment is medication, which takes down the inflammation, the swelling and reduces pain. Chiropractors can be of great help in managing arthritis. Medications work but as we’ve seen they can have long-term health risks like impaired healing, damage to the stomach lining and internal bleeding.
A chiropractor can reduce stress, and reliance on medications, all the while managing the pain and symptoms in a natural way. Chiropractic can:
Improve range of motion
Keeps the spine properly aligned
Improve endurance
Improve flexibility
Increase strength
Increase muscle tone
Develop a dietary and nutritional plan to reduce inflammation
Recommend an exercise regimen conducive to arthritis symptoms
According to the American Chiropractic Association, this is vital in managing arthritis symptoms.
Treatment
Understand that chiropractic cannot cure arthritis. They can help alleviate symptoms, slow the progression and help to reduce stress levels. They will use adjustments in combination with other treatments. This can include:
Hot and cold treatments
Ultrasound treatments
Massage
Electronic muscle stimulation
Physical rehabilitation
Magnet therapy
Reduce Stress
Exercise
Water aerobics or make walking around the park/neighborhood part of a daily routine, as it promotes a healthy mind by reducing stress and anxiety. Gentle exercises like aerobic exercise are perfect because it improves mobility and helps shed a few pounds taking pressure off the joints. Exercise creates endorphins, which reduces pain and uplifts the mood.
Support groups
With any type of painful condition, it’s easy to feel alone. Joining a support group can connect you with people who understand what’s going on and the emotions you’re experiencing. The community helps diminish the sense of isolation.
Relaxation therapy
This focuses on calming the body and mind by making a conscious effort to relax. Even for only a few moments, you might find this technique effective at controlling the stress response. Begin by focusing on one part of the body like the hands, feet, etc.
Concentrate until the area you’re focusing on is completely free of stress or tension. Then imagine weightlessness flow through the body. Close your eyes, lie down, turn off the lights, and think of something soothing. There are no strict guidelines for relaxation. Whatever puts you in a relaxed frame of mind is the way to do it.
Warm bath
Warm moist heat from a shower, bath, or steam room can decrease the secretion of stress hormones and raise levels of endorphins, as aforementioned the body’s natural pain killers.
Take time for yourself
When it comes to reducing stress, balance is key. Staying active, and regular rest/sleep is vital to successful treatment. A balance needs to be in everything you do. Therefore, make time for the things you want to do.
Results
Inflammatory diseases like arthritis have shown the best results are achieved from combating it from all angles. Working with a chiropractor and rheumatologist to combine treatments can make all the difference. A healthy diet and active exercise program will get you in the right direction toward a healthy active lifestyle. If you or a loved one are suffering from arthritis, don�t hesitate to call. We�re here to help in any way possible!
The most�common type of arthritis in children and adolescents is Juvenile idiopathic arthritis aka (JIA) a type of inflammatory arthritis that affects kids 16 years and younger. It is a rare condition, that affects around 1 in every 1,000 children. It can cause�joint�pain and stiffness throughout the body, especially the facet joints/spinal joints.
Types of Arthritis that Fall Under JIA
Juvenile Idiopathic arthritis was known as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, but it is not a child/teenage version of adult rheumatoid arthritis. Juvenile Idiopathic arthritis falls into a group of several types of arthritis. When a doctor diagnoses JIA, they will determine the type.
To better understand how this arthritis affects the spine, it helps to know some of the terminology.
Enthesitis: Inflammation of the entheses is the area where tendons and ligaments connect to bone/s.
Spondyloarthritis: Arthritis that attacks the entheses of the spine. Ankylosing spondylitis is an example of spondyloarthritis.
The neck joints are the most common to be attacked by JIA. Whereas, spondyloarthritis causes pain and stiffness in the low back.
Typical Symptoms
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis happens in children aged 16 years and younger. Symptoms include:
Joint pain
Swelling
Stiffness
Tenderness
Mild heat or a warmness that has been present for at least 6 weeks.
Other symptoms can include muscles and soft tissues becoming tight, erosion of the bone,�joint misalignment, and abnormal growth patterns.
Diagnosis Can Be A Challenge
Diagnosis is not always straightforward, and there are criteria for diagnosing juvenile idiopathic arthritis. The doctor will perform a physical exam and order tests. They will monitor the child�s symptoms for at least 6 weeks initially, and then for 6 months after the onset of the disease. During this time, figuring the number of joints involved helps determine the diagnosis. As joint involvement can vary by the type of arthritis, and symptoms can and do change regularly.
This arthritis attacks the joints of the spine, specifically in the neck. However, with certain types of spondyloarthropathy, the lower back can become the target.
Diagnosing arthritis involves a complete and thorough examination. If a chiropractor has been brought in to help with the case, a medical work-up by a rheumatologist could be recommended. This includes radiology/X-rays or an MRI, urine, blood analysis and physical examinations.
Treatment
A doctor may recommend a multi-disciplinary approach to treat JIA. They may prescribe various types of therapies/treatments focused on stopping the disease’s progression. The treatment plan will include teaching healthy habits to prevent future back pain.
Medication/s
Treatment usually starts with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory’s. A doctor can also prescribe a corticosteroid to control the inflammation. Most respond well to anti-inflammatory medication, however, these medicines do not treat the underlying disease or the root cause.
Inflammatory arthritis and its progression can be controlled with certain medications. There are disease-modifying antirheumatic medications that can slow the disease�s progression. There are also TNF-blocking medications that can help block a specific protein known as tumor necrosis factor that causes inflammation. Etanercept known on the market as Enbrel and adalimumab aka Humira are examples of TNF-blockers that can prevent the disease from progressing.
Chiropractic
Understand that chiropractic medicine cannot cure arthritis, but it can help alleviate the symptoms and slow the progression. They will use spinal adjustments in conjunction with other treatments. These can include:
Hot and cold treatments
Ultrasound
Massage
Electronic muscle stimulation
Magnet therapy
Physical rehabilitation
Physical Therapy Exercise
Focuses on:
Proper posture
Joint mobility
Deep breathing
Exercises
Healthy lifestyle education
Patients can develop a forward posture that can lead to a hunched back and neck pain. Postural training and back extension exercises are helpful. Stretching and range of motion exercises keep the facet and rib joints functioning and mobile. Deep breathing expands the chest which expands the rib joints and aids lung function. Depending on the type and severity, a doctor might try other approaches like spine surgery.
Optimal Results
If you or someone has been diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis in the spine,�learn as much as possible about the disease and the ways to combat it. Being informed about this or any disease encourages empowerment and engagement throughout the treatment process.
The best results are achieved by attacking it from all angles. Working with a chiropractor and rheumatologist in combination. A chiropractor will train the individual on how to maintain a healthy diet and maintain an active exercise program to help with movement. This is geared toward a healthy outcome.
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