Osteoarthritis is a common condition that can lead to painful and restricted movement in joints throughout the body. This condition can be especially problematic when it occurs in the spine, as it can cause significant pain and discomfort that can affect a person’s daily life.
Fortunately, a chiropractor can help ease osteoarthritis pain and improve your mobility, even if that pain is due to a past accident injury. In this FAQ, we’ll explore how a chiropractic clinic can help with osteoarthritis, and how their approach can benefit those suffering from this condition. Read on to learn more, and get in touch with a back pain clinic today.
What Is Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition that occurs when the cartilage in joints breaks down over time. This can lead to pain, inflammation, and stiffness in the affected joint, as well as a reduced range of motion. As a chiropractor like our good friends at AmeriWell Clinics can explain, osteoarthritis can occur in any joint in the body, but is most commonly seen in the knees, hips, hands, and spine.
Osteoarthritis can occur in two areas of the spine: the cervical (upper back and neck) and lumbar (lower back) regions. When osteoarthritis affects the spine, it can cause pain, stiffness, and a lack of mobility. Since the spine is involved in many daily activities (from sitting and standing to bending and lifting) spinal osteoarthritis can be very serious.
How Can A Back Pain Clinic Help With Osteoarthritis In The Spine?
Chiropractic specialists are trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions, including osteoarthritis. When it comes to spinal osteoarthritis, your chiropractic specialist can use gentle techniques to ease pain and improve mobility. This might include slowly extending the joints to reduce stiffness and improve range of motion. Your specialist may also use other techniques such as ultrasound or cold laser therapy.
Can A Back Pain Specialist Help With Osteoarthritis In Other Joints?
A chiropractic care provider can help with osteoarthritis in other joints as well. The back is central to the rest of your body, so your back pain specialist can examine how your back affects everything else. This means that they can provide treatment for pain and stiffness in other areas, such as the hips, knees, or hands. By addressing these related issues, a chiropractic clinic can help to improve overall mobility and reduce pain throughout the body.
What Should I Expect During A Chiropractic Appointment For Osteoarthritis?
During your first visit to a back pain specialist, he or she will usually take a detailed medical history and perform a physical examination to assess your condition. Your specialist will use this information to develop a personalized treatment plan, which may include adjustments, stretches, and exercises to help manage your pain and improve mobility.
Depending on the severity of your osteoarthritis, your chiropractic care provider may recommend follow-up appointments to continue your treatment plan.
Is Chiropractic Care Safe For Those With Osteoarthritis?
Chiropractic care is generally considered safe for those with osteoarthritis, as long as it is performed by a qualified and experienced practitioner. Chiropractic specialists are trained to use gentle techniques safely and effectively. However, it’s important to let your clinic know if you have any underlying health conditions or concerns before starting treatment.
Osteoarthritis can be a painful and debilitating condition, but a chiropractic clinic may be able to help. By using gentle techniques to manage pain and improve mobility, back pain specialists can provide non-invasive relief for those suffering from osteoarthritis in the spine or other joints. Schedule an appointment today.
