Dealing With Joint Pain? Chiropractic Treatment Can Help

Joint pain may well be a fact of life. At some point in life, nearly everyone will experience pain in the area where two or more bones meet.

Joint pain often brings discomfort, stiffness, inflammation, and soreness to one or more joints of the body. It may accompany diseases and conditions such as infections, traumas, and immune system issues. Whether the pain results from injuries, age-related ailments or disease, joint pain presents a range of cumbersome problems. Movement, after all, depends on the proper functioning of joints.

In the case of injuries, it can present itself suddenly and severely. Injuries can include tennis elbow, swimmer's shoulder, a torn cartilage, ligaments, and a sprained ankle. Bruising or swelling usually follows dislocations, muscle strains, fractures, and injuries to the ligaments and joints.

Tennis elbow (also known as epicondylitis) is a very common muscle and soft tissue condition. It is caused by inflammation of the soft tissues, often resulting from repetitive activities (such as lifting, swimming, carpentry, and playing tennis). Common forearm and elbow pain are usually worsened by extending and flexing the wrist.

In some cases, joint pain may stem from a moderate condition or disease, such as a mild dislocation, bursitis, or ankylosing spondylitis. It can also be caused by more serious conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, or bone cancer. It can appear suddenly and disappear just as swiftly, showing up after prolonged periods of rest and going away when the patient moves around a bit.

Regardless of the condition or disease, joint pain often accompanies other symptoms. These symptoms can come in the form of swelling, edemas, inflammation, and fevers. A pinched nerve may also induce swelling, elbow pain, and the like.

No matter what type of joint pain afflicts you, there are some ways to alleviate the pain. Here are some tips that will offer relief:

Seek the expertise of a doctor of chiropractic. Chiropractic treatment will address your joint pain with gently effective methods. Chiropractic care has proved effective in a variety of joint pain cases, and research findings have corroborated its rightful place as a solid treatment option. For example, a study by the National Institute of Health objectively supported the use of chiropractic manipulative therapy in the management of ankylosing spondylitis.

Look into massage. It can provide instant relief.

Use forms of heat therapy. Heating pads, hot baths, and saunas can ease the pain. Heat therapy increases circulation and accelerates healing.

Conversely, you should make use of ice therapy to reduce swelling, as swelling is known to cause joint pain. A doctor of chiropractic may also suggest the employment of electro-stimulation to aid the healing process between hot and cold treatments. Electrical stimulation is linked with releasing endorphins that counteract pain receptors.

Exercise. An effective exercise routine can help keep joint pain at bay while strengthening your whole body, including your joints. However, make sure to discontinue strenuous activities if the pain persists. Exercises, such as dance, stretching, and Tai Chi, help maintain regular joint movement and stimulates overall joint flexibility. They can be done on a daily basis, or at least three or four times a week. In any case, seek the guidance of your chiropractor to design an appropriate exercise routine for your condition.

Maintain a healthy body weight. Being overweight can lay stress on your knees and feet, adding considerable pressure to your joints.

If you smoke, quit. Smoking negatively affects your whole body, weakening muscles and tendons. It also prevents you from getting an adequate supply of oxygen running through your blood.

Take supplements of fatty acid in the form of gamma linolenic acid (GLA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Tuna, salmon, halibut, and herring offer natural sources of and DHA and EPA. Studies show that these fatty acid supplements lessen joint swelling and pain, reducing the need to take corticosteroids. However, speak with you primary care doctor or chiropractor before taking supplements. Some supplements may aversely interact with medications.

Chiropractic care offers a non-invasive, holistic way to promote overall health and manage a wide range of conditions. Physical manipulation and alignment of the joints can reduce pain and stiffness. In addition, chiropractic care can tailor the right exercise program for your needs, and offer comprehensive nutrition and supplement advice.