Arthritis Prevention and Management

Arthritis is an inflammation of the joints. It is caused from trauma, infection, age, and genetics. The most common complaints of patients that have arthritis are joint pain, stiffness, tenderness, and swelling of the joint.  There may be a decrease in the range of motion and redness of the skin.  Symptoms are commonly worse in the morning.

There are two types of arthritis, Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis.  Osteoarthritis, also called Degenerative Joint Disease, is a breakdown of cartilage in between the joints. Cartilage is connective tissue that serves to be a shock absorber for the joint. When the cartilage breaks down, arthritis can develop. Symptoms usually are specific joint pain and inflammation. Rheumatoid arthritis is an auto-immune disease where the body’s immune system attacks itself, meaning the body attacks its own synovial tissue. Synovial fluid nourishes the cartilage and lubricates the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease that attacks the synovium and destroys the bone and cartilage of the joint. Symptoms affect the entire body and a patient may experience fatigue, a low grade fever, and muscle aches.

Taking an active role in preventing arthritis is a key to optimal health. Exercise strengthens the muscles and joints, increases flexibility, and reduces stress. Good nutrition is helpful in preventing arthritis. Limiting sugar intake and avoiding night shade vegetables such as peppers and tomatoes is helpful in preventing arthritis. Taking supplements and vitamins is important in staying proactive in preventing arthritis. Examples are Vitamin A, C, E, omega 3 fatty acids, and glucosamine chondroitin. Selenium, zinc, and copper.

Chiropractic care can help in the treatment and prevention of arthritis. Chiropractic adjustments may reduce the pain of arthritis and improve the function of the joint. Chiropractic restores mobility in the joint. Joint dysfunction in the spine can produce pain and putting motion in the joints of the spine through chiropractic adjustments can decrease arthritic pain.

Chiropractors may use therapeutic ultrasound in treating arthritis. The ultrasound waves are effective in relaxing the muscles, ligaments, and tendons around an affected joint.

Trigger point therapy and muscle release techniques are also useful in treating arthritis. This helps to eliminate the stiffness and achy symptoms of arthritis pain. Through gentle pressure on specific pressure points, toxins in muscles can be released. This can restore proper blood flow and decrease the inflammation associated with arthritis. May arthritis sufferers find comfort in the use of hot and cold therapy. The chiropractor may also incorporate water jet tables and traction tables. The water jet table allows the arthritis patient to ly still and relax as warm water flows across their back and gentle massage jets act like a massage working out the stiffness and joint discomfort.

Finally and most important for arthritis patients a chiropractor will use the technique of spinal manipulation or adjustments. Arthritis is a disorder of the joints and the chiropractic adjustment is a specific manipulation of the joint to restore proper alignment and overall good health.

Many arthritis patients find one or more of the above treatments successful in relieving the arthritis symptoms without having to give up many of their favorite activities. 

Based in Gibbstown, South Jersey, Dr Rizzo serves the Gloucester County and surrounding area including Woodbury, Wenonah, Woolwich, Mullica Hill, and Logan Township. We invite you to make an appointment.  See for yourself how Rizzo Family Chiropractic can help alleviate your arthritis