The literal meaning of arthritis is inflammation of a joint. There are many causes of arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis results from an autoimmune disease. The specific cause of this type of arthritis is not yet fully known. The effects are painful swelling and disfiguration that is generally seen in the hands. Osteoarthritis, on the other hand, is a very different type of arthritis. This type of arthritis, also known as ‘wear and tear’ arthritis, can result from irregular biomechanics, joint motion, and excessive wear on joints. There are other causes of arthritis as well, including infection and neurological impairment. Minneapolis MN chiropractic treatment has a proven track record of helping nearly every type of arthritis. Results however will vary depending on the type of arthritis and the severity of the arthritis. For example, if you suffer from rheumatoid arthritis it would not be likely for your arthritis to resolve completely with chiropractic care, because that type of arthritis results from an autoimmune disease, but it is possible.

The type of arthritis that chiropractic is very good with is osteoarthritis. Typically, osteoarthritis is a result of joints that don’t move the way they should, causing wear and tear. This can occur from a variety of things such as; sports, car accidents, poor posture, or a number of other things that put stress on our body. These issues can occur abruptly, such as with a car accident, or slowly over time, such as with tennis elbow. Misalignments in joints lead to irregular motion, which leads to stress, which leads to arthritis. When suffering from misalignments the body starts trying to fuse bones that are surrounding joints to correct the problem. This is where arthritis pains begin and once bones have fused there is little that can be done. Chiropractors help to prevent arthritis by keeping the body and spine properly aligned and by helping to improve the function of the muscles associated with any misaligned joints to prevent them from coming out of alignment.

We tend to think of arthritis as an older persons’ disease. This is because, in the elderly the disease has progressed to a point where a joint has nearly, or completely fused and very little can be done to help. This is when symptoms are most noticeable. Chiropractic care can help reduce arthritis pain in these situations, but progress is limited. Adjustments can decrease the frequency, intensity, and duration of pain, but full joint function is unlikely to ever return.

Chiropractic care can really help with arthritis on a preventative level. First, chiropractic care helps biomechanically. If you have spinal misalignments, or subluxations, discs can be worn down more quickly. By correcting misalignments with gentle and specific adjustments the risk of wear and tear is diminished. When your body stays in proper alignment, pressure is taken off the nerves and your nervous system. This helps symptoms clear up. Maintaining that proper alignment causes the body to become stronger which helps prevent arthritis and arthritic symptoms from coming back.

Minneapolis MN Chiropractic care can also help neurologically. Autoimmune diseases can be made worse by stress. Receiving regular chiropractic adjustments helps take the stress off your nervous system and allows your body to rest, relax, and heal. Reduced stress allows your body to function better and means your body is less likely to attack itself. When your body is restored to proper function, healing and health happens naturally.

Chiropractic care is a great way to deal with and prevent arthritis. It helps the body deal with both the causes and effects of arthritis. So if you are suffering from arthritis, or want to do everything you can to help prevent arthritis, give a Minneapolis MN chiropractor a call today.