Chiropractic Care for Rheumatoid Arthritis: An In-Depth Look
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disorder that affects millions of people across the globe and presents unparalleled challenges in modern society. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2019, about 18 million people lived with the said condition. Of the said data, 13 million have moderate to severe cases that could benefit from rehab or holistic medicine such as chiropractic massage.
In the Philippines, according to the Philippine Rheumatology Association (PRA), more than 5 million adult Filipinos suffer from the said ailment. It not only causes physical pain as well as discomfort, it also creates some sort of a ripple effect that can influence different aspects of one’s daily routine, emotional well-being, and so forth.
Before going through the details on how chiropractic care can help Filipinos who want to treat the aches and pains of the said condition, let us take a more extensive look at rheumatoid arthritis and how it can be detrimental to everyday living.
Rheumatoid Arthritis: Detrimental Impact on Everyday Life
The most immediate as well as obvious impact of rheumatoid arthritis is on physical well-being. Some of its, say, hallmark symptoms are chronic pain as well as stiffness in the joints. In fact, in a myriad of cases, it can make the simplest tasks feel more daunting. To some, it can make waking up in the morning frustrating due to the fact that the joints are the stiffest after extended periods of inactivity. In addition to all these, getting out of bed, brushing the teeth, and buttoning a shirt, among others, can be time-consuming and painful.
Reduced mobility is a common symptom of arthritis. As it progresses, the range of motion of affected joints can be significantly restricted, hampering movement and making activities like walking, climbing, and other routine activities troublesome. This negative impact on mobility is also detrimental to independence. Consequently, this makes patients feel daunted to participate in physical activities. Because of this, they experience muscle weakness that further exacerbates mobility issues–paving the way to a vicious cycle–that is extremely difficult to break.
Benefits of Chiropractic Massage and Care for Rheumatoid Arthritis
As mentioned earlier, all is not lost for individuals who are affected by rheumatoid arthritis. That is because even though conventional treatments that include, but are not limited to medications and physical therapy are essential, complementary methods in the form of chiropractic massage can manage the symptoms of the said ailment; given that it is approached with extreme caution.
Below are the benefits of chiropractic massage therapy of rheumatoid arthritis:
Pain relief
According to the Arthritis Foundation, joints that have compromised alignments cannot function properly. For this reason, chiropractic treatment may help when it comes to cultivating overall joint function.
A 2013 study that was published in the National Library of Medicine determined that individuals with osteoarthritis who had a chiropractic session twice a week for six weeks experienced more relief from joint pain compared to their counterparts who performed conventional physical therapy or stretching programs. How long it takes to see results from the said holistic approach is relative and depends on the specific situation. But researchers from the Arthritis Foundation mentioned that relief is usually experienced after four to ten treatments.
To add, a chiropractic doctor may determine if the pain is derivative of inflammation or by movements that compensate for inflammation. In a 2015 case study that was published in the National Library of Medicine, it was determined that chiropractic massage and other forms of treatment can deliver limited relief to inflammatory pain. However, it should be noted that the real benefit came from treating mechanical injuries that participants experienced trying to compensate for rheumatoid arthritis pain and limitations.
Inflammation reduction
Chiropractic massage and care may be beneficial when it comes to relieving symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis by effectively and efficiently reducing inflammation. They work by aligning the spine and the joints, reducing inflammation in the process. Consequently, this balances and improves different functions in the body. Furthermore, the said adjustments can also lessen the production of proteins that may accumulate in the immune system and contribute to inflammation.
Improved joint function
Less pain and swelling can translate to fewer joint restrictions, which can enhance the mobility of individuals with arthritis. Researchers from the The BMJ Group noted that chiropractic adjustment benefits in rheumatoid arthritis treatment include small to moderate improvements when it comes to joint function.
In addition, a chiro doctor may also suggest strengthening workouts that promote joint health. Also, shoring up the muscles that are located around the joints can enhance range of motion, strength, and stability, while giving utmost protection against new as well as recurring injuries.
Is Chiropractic Treatment Safe for People with Arthritis?
Back in the day, many medical institutions warned against turning to chiropractic adjustment in areas that are affected by rheumatoid arthritis, especially in the cervix or upper neck area. This has changed nowadays as newer studies suggest that the said holistic approach can be beneficial when it comes to treating the chronic inflammation of different body parts.
However, patients who are worried are encouraged to talk to their rheumatologist. They can offer insights and work with a chiropractor to determine the best approach for their condition.
Furthermore, it should be noted that for inflammatory ailments like arthritis, it can be said that the best results can be achieved by addressing its different symptoms and not just focusing on one. On top of chiro care, a healthy diet and appropriate exercise regimen can help patients improve their symptoms, boost their overall health, and so on.
Summing up
Chiropractic massage and other methods of chiro treatment can be valuable additions to rheumatoid arthritis treatment plans. By effectively as well as efficiently addressing misalignments in the spine and joints, a chiropractic doctor can help alleviate pain, enhance mobility, and reduce inflammation, among others. In addition, regular adjustments can halt further deterioration of the joints and, in the process, slow down the progression of rheumatoid arthritis.
If you are struggling with arthritis, consider adding chiropractic care to your treatment plan to enhance your overall well-being and fitness level.
Book an appointment at Posture Perfect and find out why many choose our clinic for rheumatoid arthritis care.
