By Dr. Todd Wickmann –
Arthritis is a common adaptation the body makes to long-standing joint dysfunction.
It is means ‘inflammation of’ so when coupled with arth (joint) we get the definition, “Inflammation of the joint.” It’s my opinion that this is not a chronic disease, but instead a condition that requires sustained/chronic healing. It is normal for a joint under stress to undergo inflammation. Without this process, healing would never have an opportunity to occur. If the cause of stress is not properly addressed, the appropriate response of a healthy body would to, “Never give up!”
The most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis, which is characterized by joint pain brought on by the breakdown of cartilage. Weight-bearing joints, such as knees and hips, are most often affected, although it can also affect the fingers, lower back and neck or any other joint.
Many factors contribute to the cartilage breakdown that causes osteoarthritis, including restriction in a joint’s range of motion, mental and emotional stress, toxins in the body, repeated high-impact exercise, improper nutrition, hormonal imbalances and excessive body weight.
Strategies for reducing osteoarthritis may include:
• Chiropractic care to optimize joint movement and reduce stress
• Increase in water consumption
• Nutritional supplements to overcome dietary deficiencies
• Moderate exercise, particularly aquatic exercise along with muscle conditioning, aerobic exercise, walking and stretching
• Adoption of a healthier non-inflammatory diet and weight reduction
Management of osteoarthritis includes a number of changes in diet and lifestyle that are best monitored by a knowledgeable healthcare professional. Treating arthritis using chiropractic techniques aligns the body allowing it to move freely and naturally. Once the body is aligned to move with fewer restrictions, the need for pain-relieving medications lessens, or disappears altogether.
The basis for chiropractic care is centered in the body’s ability to heal itself. By correcting joint and spine dislocations, a chiropractor helps increase range of motion in the body, which assists in movement. Chiropractic and its complementary treatments, which include nutrition and lifestyle choices such as exercise and massage therapy, can be used as a preventive measure in developing arthritis or to help relieve the serious mobility issues. Because chiropractic focuses on physical manipulation, joints can be directly adjusted in order to reduce pain. In general, the stiffness and pain that can result from various forms of arthritis can be alleviated with chiropractic treatment.
Chiropractic as a regular treatment will also help prevent the damaging effects of arthritis. This form of prevention is probably the most crucial benefit in treating the disease. The lifestyle changes and therapies associated with chiropractic will influence diet, exercise, and maintaining the body’s alignment that practitioners believe will offset health problems that might accompany arthritis. Proper weight and a healthy immune system are both important factors in limiting the devastating effects of all forms of arthritis, especially osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Using chiropractic instead of prescription medicines for pain relief, or over-the-counter medications, offers a non-invasive method of maintaining physical health and addresses such conditions as arthritis in a way that will offer freedom of movement without the deteriorating effects that might come with medication.
I believe that education is vital to sustaining whole body health and living. While treating patients, my primary goal is to teach them about the importance of a healthy lifestyle, including exercise, diet, and nutrition. Visit Lifestyles Chiropractic and see for yourself why our office is different from other healthcare providers in Fort Myers. Chiropractic can make a difference in your life! If you are interested in your long-term health and wellness, not just a quick fix to mask back pain or neck pain, this is the place for you!
Lifestyles Chiropractic is conveniently located in south Fort Myers. Call 239-334-9355 and take your first step towards better health today!