Chiropractic Care for Arthritis
Chiropractic has been successful and effective in managing the symptoms of arthritis. With regular treatment, pain is decreased and the need for medications is reduced or won't be needed. Chiropractic care can also restore lost range of motion and flexibility, increase muscle strength and improve the body’s endurance.
Why Choose Chiropractic Care for Arthritis?
It's a safe and effective treatment that has a high success rate. Chiropractic care for arthritis will not only be physical manipulation. Other complementary treatments of nutrition and lifestyle choices also help in alleviating the impairments brought about by arthritis.
In a Gallup poll made in 2015 where more than 5,400 Americans participated, 60% believed chiropractic is an efficient treatment for back and neck pain. Yes, chiropractors adjust and manipulate the spine to decrease pain and improve mobility, but the benefits can extend beyond the back.
Chiropractors aim to improve the relationship between the spine and nervous system by using different degrees of force in an effort to adjust misaligned joints.
According to Dr. Ron Boesch, a professor and director of clinics at Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa, which commissioned the Gallup Poll, chiropractors are certainly the front-line providers for back pain and at they’re also primary care professionals who look at and evaluate the whole body.
Backed Up by Research
In 2010 a report was issued by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, which found spinal manipulation is as effective as medication for low back pain.
Also in 2010, a British analysis of nearly 100 high-quality systematic reviews and randomized controlled trials found that spinal manipulation made by chiropractors was beneficial for acute and chronic neck pain, low back pain, and osteoarthritis of the knee.
A study made in 2013 and which was published in Osteoarthritis and Cartilage found that patient education combined with 12 chiropractic treatments (twice a week for six weeks) were more effective for hip OA than a daily stretching program or patient education alone. Reports showed that most of the patients who had severe back pain experienced significant pain relief in five visits. However, patients who have active inflammation, osteoporosis in the spine or a fused spine should not receive chiropractic therapy.
A recent study found that half of patients with low back pain take prescription narcotics like opioids. However, this study also showed that patients who have chiropractic care are far less likely to use these drugs.
The Experts
Many patients who have arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis are recommended to have a chiropractic treatment which is comprised of gentle spinal manipulation combined with exercise and anti-inflammatory diet. This treatment program can reduce pain and inflammation. It could also improve mobility.
Patients diagnosed with osteoarthritis are also responding well to chiropractic care. Good results are gained within two to six weeks.
Patients with arthritis who undergo chiropractic treatment often improve without the need for pain medications.
Find a Chiropractor
There is no cure for arthritis. Once it's there, it's there. But with chiropractic, it can prevent you from experiencing the debilitating effects of arthritis.
Find a chiropractor near you and schedule a visit.
How to Become a Chiropractor
Students need to complete four years of chiropractic in college to earn a doctor of chiropractic degree. Sometimes, it is followed by a one-year internship.
According to William Lauretti, DC, an assistant professor at New York Chiropractic College in Seneca Falls, N.Y. “Look for a chiropractor whose practice best aligns with your goals as a patient and who uses a variety of techniques."
