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Chiropractic Treatments for Osteoarthritis
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Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis in the United States, and the effects of this degenerative condition include limited range of motion in the hands, knees, hips and spine. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, more than 20 million people in the United States are affected by osteoarthritis, and the cause is still unknown. However, osteoarthritis is a treatable condition that may require a combination of chiropractic therapy and nutritional counseling.
Chiropractic Treatment for Osteoarthritis
For people with osteoarthritis, the bones and joints often become very stiff throughout the day, and the sufferer experiences very limited range of motion. Osteoarthritis symptoms often include muscle weakness, stiffness in the morning, swelling of the joints and in some severe cases, constant pain in certain joints.
Chiropractic therapy can help to mobilize stiff joints and establish a healthier nerve connection between the spine and other parts of the body. According to a study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics in 2006, chiropractic therapy can be significantly more effective in reducing pain than heat therapies alone, and can also help improve overall quality of life for the patient so that they can handle daily living activities and experience days with reduced pain. (Source: InjuryTV.com)
Treatment Plan for Osteoarthritis
The overall treatment plan for osteoarthritis typically involves a combination of chiropractic therapy, exercise and dietary supplements. Since the bones and joints must be able to heal properly after each chiropractic session, it is imperative that the patient is eating the right types of foods that support the natural healing process. Some of the key nutritional and lifestyle changes that may be a part of the osteoarthritis treatment plan include:
- Eliminating food allergens such as dairy, wheat, soy and corn products
- Avoiding too much salt and meat
- Eat more foods that decrease inflammation such as garlic, celery, lemon, pickles and cold-water fish oils
- Eating fewer red meats
- Eating more lean proteins such as tofu, cold-water fish and beans
- Avoiding alcohol and tobacco
- Drinking at least 6 to 8 glasses of filtered water per day
- Exercising at least 30 minutes per day, five times per week
Nutritional supplements such as glucosamine, Omega-2 fatty acids, digestive enzymes and acidophilus may also be required for improving joint health and for decreasing inflammation in the body. Chiropractic treatments may also be combined with physical therapy, magnet therapy, yoga sessions and Tai Chi to further improve range of motion and restore the health of the joints.
With the right combination of dietary and lifestyle changes, and regular chiropractic therapy, osteoarthritis patients can start to improve the health of their joints and tissues and slow down the degeneration process.
If you have been diagnosed with osteoarthritis, consult with a chiropractic doctor in your area. He or she will be able to discuss the different types of chiropractic treatments available, and may offer a comprehensive treatment plan that includes chiropractic therapy, nutritional supplementation and dietary and lifestyle changes so that you can achieve a better state of health.
Published: 08/14/2009, Last Updated: 08/14/2009
By LocateADoc.com Medical Staff Writers
Our writers strive to present an objective, upfront and open view of the medical procedures you're interested in. We present you with both the good and bad, and work to represent both doctors' and patients' points of view. Our articles contain facts and statistics from medical associations, medical and surgical journals, and through doctor and patient interviews.
Related Subjects and Keywords: osteoarthritis chiropractic chiropractic therapy chiropractic care
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