Treat Breast Cancer-related Joint Pain with Chiropractic Therapy

According to an article that was published on Philstar Global, the Philippines has the highest rate of cancer in all of Asia. In addition to this, around 65% of breast cancer cases in the country are diagnosed at advanced or late stages. This is due to inadequate treatment and delayed detection. In addition to hormonal changes, fatigue, loss of appetite, and so on, breast cancer patients also encounter joint pain.

The good news is that thanks to chiropractic therapy, breast cancer patients can manage joint pain and improve their health along the way. How is this possible? Read on. 

Breast cancer and joint pain

Bone and joint pain are quite common among breast cancer patients. A number of factors can cause them during breast cancer treatment. The long list includes side effects of hormonal therapies, surgeries, and the like. Bone and joint pain can range from slightly uncomfortable to severe and ongoing pain that requires medication and other forms of treatment. 

While a doctor of chiropractic cannot treat cancer, the Canadian Cancer Society suggests that chiropractic may help individuals living with cancer manage certain types of pain and discomfort. Research suggests that chiropractors can address conditions that are often associated with breast cancer treatment. The long list includes back, shoulder, and neck pain.

Chiropractic for breast cancer joint pain

Doctors of chiropractic are healthcare professionals who have undergone extensive training. This, in an effort to acquire the knowledge and skill set to identify, manage, and avert disorders that are connected to the musculoskeletal system. To manage joint discomfort and the like, they perform different methods that include but are not limited to mobilization techniques, hands-on adjustments, soft tissue manipulation, and specialized exercises that are specific to a patient’s state of health, pain tolerance, and so forth. 

The benefits of chiropractic for breast cancer joint pain

In addition to joint pain relief, there are a number of benefits that can be achieved by undergoing chiropractic therapy. Some of the most notable ones are elaborated below. 

Improved mobility

According to the Cleveland Clinic, chiropractic can boost joint mobility and flexibility. This is thanks to an extensive combination of adjustments that come with the right amount of tension. By realigning the joints to their most appropriate positions, promoting healthy movement patterns. Chiro techniques prevent restricted range of motion and stiffness.

Such a targeted approach focuses on ensuring that the joints function at an optimum level, reducing the risk of discomfort. By means of consistent care as well as attention to alignment as well as movement, chiropractic care helps breast cancer patients manage and maintain joint health.

Reduced Inflammation 

Manual spinal manipulation and adjustment techniques employed by chiropractors can reduce inflammatory responses in joint tissues and surrounding areas. This development helps the body’s natural healing processes and often leads to a reduction in discomfort and pain levels.

Slowed joint degeneration 

Specialized chiropractic treatments that focus on safely and efficiently correcting spinal alignment can help prevent joint deterioration. In some cases, they may also halt its advancement entirely. Here, doctors of chiropractic utilize adjustment methods to achieve a more balanced weight distribution across the vertebrae and associated structures. Furthermore, they can minimize the excessive stress that accelerates joint damage, thereby creating conditions that support the body’s natural repair mechanisms.

Enhanced function

On top of improving joint mechanics, chiropractic also focuses on alleviating pain. This is essential due to the fact that pain can be a significant barrier to performing routines. It can be caused by different factors that include but are not limited to muscle tension, inflammation, nerve irritation, and so forth. By addressing the aforementioned causes of pain by means of targeted adjustments, manual stimulation, and so forth, chiropractic doctors can provide pain relief, and, consequently restore normal body functions. 

Lifestyle recommendations

Chiropractic is an important component of an overall lifestyle concept when it comes to managing joint pain. At the same time, it promotes wellness for breast cancer patients. While the said holistic approach is not a direct treatment for the said ailment, it should be noted that it can help address a number of musculoskeletal symptoms. Along the way, it can fix conditions that accompany breast cancer and its treatments. 

In addition to all these, chiro practitioners can even provide guidance on stress-reducing lifestyle changes such as the following: 

• Gentle exercise – Activities that are light on the joint such as walking, swimming, yoga, Pilates, and the like can be beneficial to joint health. Plus, they can help reduce stress, boost mood, and maintain physical function, among others. 
• Balanced diet – A balanced diet is essential when it comes to joint health. In addition to performing spinal adjustments, chiropractors also encourage their patients to maintain a healthy lifestyle and make balanced food choices. They are known to take a holistic approach when it comes to patient care. During visits, patients may receive guidance on healthy eating, and the importance of maintaining a balanced diet when it comes to joint health. The said healthcare practitioners may educate patients when it comes to the importance of anti-inflammatory foods like berries, leafy greens, oily fish, and so forth. 
• Good posture – After breast surgery, it’s common to experience tightness and discomfort in the chest, shoulder, and upper back area. This can cause patients to hunch forward or maintain shoulders in a tense position, which can intensify joint pain and stiffness. Breast cancer patients are encouraged to be mindful of their posture. They should make a conscious effort when sitting, standing, and moving. Doing so allows them to move with utmost efficiency and alleviate the said symptoms and promote healing.

Summing Up

For breast cancer patients, joint pain can be a serious challenge that may impact daily life and overall health. In line with this, treatments that include surgery, hormonal therapy, radiation therapy, and so forth, can lead to discomfort, joint stiffness, and reduced mobility. 

The good news is that chiropractic can offer a non-invasive and drug-free approach to addressing joint pain and promoting healing. By carefully manipulating the joints and surrounding tissues, chiropractors can reduce inflammation, relieve muscle tension, and promote proper alignment. This can lead to increased comfort, better posture, and enhanced overall function.

Start feeling better by embracing the power of chiropractic. Take action now and book an appointment at Posture Perfect Chiropractic. Our highly trained and knowledgeable doctors of chiropractic can help manage your breast cancer-related joint pain and enhance your quality of life.

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