A chiropractor is typically known for providing alternative treatments and therapies for a wide range of musculoskeletal and nerve conditions. Many assume that a chiropractor is not able to diagnose or treat arthritis. However, this is only partially true. While a chiropractor cannot definitively diagnose arthritis, they can use their expertise to recognize the signs and symptoms of arthritis and can refer the patient to a Primary Care Physician or a Rheumatologist to be appropriately diagnosed.
To make a diagnosis, a chiropractor would typically begin by gathering information about the patient’s medical history, detailing the incidence of joint pain, the types of physical activities they do, and the medications they are on. This is followed by a physical exam, which includes checking the patient’s range of motion and flexibility and any tenderness in the affected joints. An X-ray may be ordered to check for any fluid accumulation in the affected joints, indicating an issue with the articular (joint) cartilage, such as osteoarthritis. A chiropractor can also order lab tests, such as blood tests, to help determine the cause of joint pain and inflammation.
How arthritis is diagnosed by a chiropractor
If you suspect that you may be suffering from arthritis, seeking out chiropractic care may help with diagnosis and treatment. When diagnosing arthritis, a chiropractor typically evaluates a few different components. To determine the location and extent of the problem, a chiropractor will perform a physical examination, including assessing a range of motion, conducting x-rays, and evaluating the integrity and alignment of the spine and joints.
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Chiropractors can also perform specialized orthopedic testing to determine which joints may be affected. Finally, the chiropractor may order diagnostic tests such as an MRI and, in more severe cases, blood tests to assess the presence and severity of arthritis. Upon reviewing the relevant data from the history, physical exam, diagnostic tests, and laboratory tests, the chiropractor will diagnose the specific type of arthritis, such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, reactive arthritis, or gout, and then create a comprehensive treatment plan for the patient. This treatment plan may include physical therapies, lifestyle changes, dietary modifications, manual adjustments, and exercise routines designed to improve the patient’s range of motion and reduce the inflammation and associated pain from arthritis.
The types of arthritis a chiropractor can help with
A chiropractor can help treat arthritis in a variety of ways. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are two of the most common types of arthritis that a chiropractor can help with. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disorder which causes pain, stiffness, and swelling due to the wearing down of the cartilage between the joints. It can affect any joint but is seen most frequently in hips, hands, and the spine. A chiropractor can help treat osteoarthritis by using a series of manual adjustments to improve the range of motion, reduce pain and inflammation, and restore balance to the musculoskeletal system. They will also provide therapeutic exercises to strengthen the muscles and tendons that support the affected joints.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a more serious form of arthritis that affects multiple joints throughout the body. It causes inflammation, stiffness, and pain and usually appears symmetrically on both sides of the body. A chiropractor can help treat rheumatoid arthritis by combining therapies, including manipulation and mobilization of the joints, electrical stimulation, and exercise. These treatments help to restore function, reduce pain and inflammation, and improve the range of motion. Additionally, a chiropractor may advise on lifestyle changes to help manage the symptoms of arthritis, such as avoiding repetitive motions and keeping active with low-impact activities. All these treatments can help improve the overall quality of life for those with arthritis.
A chiropractor Can Help with the Pain of Arthritis
Arthritis can be a severe condition as it worsens over time. Fortunately, there is help that a chiropractor can provide to relieve the pain from arthritis. It is essential to understand that no treatment plan can be the same for everyone. Every person’s situation is unique, and the chiropractor will determine the best treatment for the individual. Common treatments can include gentle manipulations that help move the affected joints or quiet tissues irritated by the condition, as well as applying heat or cold to reduce swelling and pain. It is also possible that a chiropractor may suggest lifestyle adjustments that include more exercise, losing weight, or improving diet.
In addition, supplements, braces and cushions can be recommended, as appropriate, to manage the condition better. The chiropractor can also provide education regarding how to use and care for specific joints and mobility aids to help better manage the condition. From the initial assessment and discussion, the chiropractor can provide an individualized treatment plan to help with the pain of arthritis.
The risks of seeing a chiropractor for arthritis
Seeing a chiropractor for the treatment of arthritis carries a few risks that should be considered. One of the risks of receiving chiropractic treatment for arthritis is the potential for bone fractures due to the manipulation of joint tissue and underlying bone structures. Additionally, spinal manipulation of the vertebral column can pinch, irritate, or weaken the nerve endings in the spinal cord, resulting in shooting nerve pain, tingling sensations, and decreased inefficient short-term sensation transmission to organs and skeletal muscles. Many exercises recommended by chiropractors for strengthening and loosening arthritic joints can also carry potential risks, such as overextension of the joint, which can exacerbate the condition.
In rare cases, chiropractic treatment for arthritis can result in spinal canal narrowing due to bone fractures, bone debris, and other debris. These risks should be weighed against the possible beneficial outcomes of chiropractic treatment for arthritis, such as improved range of motion, reduced inflammation, and decreased stiffness of the joints. Nevertheless, it is wise to consult a physician before considering chiropractic treatment for arthritis.
The benefits of seeing a chiropractor for arthritis
Seeing a chiropractor for arthritis can be incredibly beneficial, as chiropractic adjustments can help reduce pain and improve mobility. In addition to reducing chronic and acute pain associated with arthritis, chiropractic experience includes strengthening and conditioning exercises to support better joint and muscle function. This can improve overall joint health, reduce inflammation and inflammation-associated exertion, and improve range of motion. Furthermore, chiropractic adjustments can help with balancing the spine and improving posture, both of which can have a drastic effect on any joint pain. A chiropractor can reduce the strain and tension on the joints and the muscles by improving muscle tone and posture, allowing for easier and more comfortable movement.
Seeing a chiropractor for arthritis can be very beneficial and is recommended for those struggling with pain and looking for a holistic and non-invasive treatment option. In addition to reducing pain and improving joint health, a chiropractor can guide the developing of an exercise routine to increase strength, promote proper posture, and provide helpful lifestyle modifications to help manage chronic and acute pain.
