About Arthritis
Arthritis in East Greenwich RI is a medical condition that affects the joints, causing pain, stiffness, and inflammation. It is a very common condition, with millions of people worldwide suffering from some form of arthritis. There are many different types of arthritis, each with unique symptoms and treatments.
Common Causes of Arthritis in East Greenwich, RI
Arthritis can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, injury, infection, and autoimmune disorders. In some cases, arthritis is caused by a combination of these factors. Osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, is caused by joint wear and tear over time. This can be the result of aging, repetitive motions, or injuries.
Rheumatoid arthritis, on the other hand, is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks the joints, causing inflammation and pain. Other forms of arthritis, such as gout, psoriatic arthritis, and lupus, have different underlying causes.
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How Our Care Plan Works
1. Better
Initially, our number one priority is less pain, improved range of motion and better sleep. This is the active phase of the plan where we significantly tackle the acute phase of the injury to get you feeling your absolute best as quickly as possible.
2. Stronger
In the corrective phase, we work not only improve how you feel, but how you function. In this phase, we avoid taking two steps forward and ten steps back by focusing on structural correction. We want you to get back to doing the things that you love without re-injury. At GBC, we are foot on the gas!
3. Healthier
It doesn’t make sense to get you better, just for it to all go bad again! We want you feeling and functioning your best for years to come. This phase ensures that you maintain all of the amazing progress you have made.
Common Symptoms of Arthritis
The symptoms of arthritis can vary depending on the type and severity of the condition. In general, arthritis causes joint pain, stiffness, and inflammation, making it difficult to move the affected joint or perform daily activities.
Other symptoms of arthritis may include fatigue, fever, and weight loss. In some cases, arthritis can also affect other parts of the body, such as the eyes, skin, or internal organs.
Diagnosing Arthritis in East Greenwich, RI
Diagnosing arthritis typically involves a physical examination, medical history, and diagnostic tests. During the physical examination, a doctor will examine the affected joints for signs of inflammation, tenderness, and stiffness. They may also ask about symptoms and medical history to help determine the underlying cause of arthritis.
Diagnostic tests may include blood tests, imaging tests, and joint fluid analysis. Blood tests can help identify inflammation, infection, or autoimmune disorder markers. Imaging tests, such as X-rays, MRI scans, and CT scans, can help to visualize the affected joints and surrounding tissues. A joint fluid analysis involves removing a small amount of fluid from the affected joint and examining it for signs of infection or inflammation.
Arthritis Treatment in East Greenwich, RI
The treatment for arthritis depends on the type and severity of the condition. In general, the goal of treatment is to reduce pain and inflammation, improve joint mobility, and prevent further damage to the joints. Chiropractic manipulation can help achieve all of these.
Exercise can help improve joint mobility, strength, and flexibility. At Greenwich Bay Chiropractic, we provide a customized therapeutic exercise program to help manage these symptoms. Heat or cold therapy, massage, or other techniques to help relieve pain and stiffness.
In some cases, surgery may be necessary to treat arthritis. Joint replacement surgery is often used for severe osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis that has not responded to other treatments. During joint replacement surgery, the affected joint is removed and replaced with an artificial joint.
Preventing Arthritis
While it may not be possible to prevent all types of arthritis, there are some steps you can take to reduce your risk. Maintaining a healthy weight, staying physically active, avoiding repetitive motions that can cause joint wear and tear, and regularly seeing a chiropractor can all help to reduce your risk of developing osteoarthritis.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is chiropractic care good for arthritis?
Chiropractic care can help manage arthritis, but it depends on the type and severity of arthritis, as well as the individual’s overall health and medical history.
Chiropractic care involves hands-on spinal manipulation of the spine and other joints to improve mobility, reduce pain, and promote healing. For some people with arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis, chiropractic care may help improve joint function, reduce pain, and increase range of motion.
Does chiropractic make arthritis worse?
Chiropractic care is safe for most people, including those with arthritis. At Greenwich Bay Chiropractic, our comprehensive consultation and examination will determine the severity of the arthritis and if chiropractic care is the best course of treatment.
What helps arthritis pain in the lower back?
Several things may help relieve arthritis pain in the lower back.
- Exercise: Gentle exercises such as walking, swimming, or cycling can help improve flexibility and strengthen the muscles that support the lower back.
- Heat and Cold Therapy: Applying a heating pad or warm compress to the lower back can help relax the muscles and reduce pain, while a cold compress or ice pack can help reduce inflammation and numb the area.
- Chiropractic Care: Chiropractic adjustments may help improve joint function, reduce pain, and increase range of motion in some people with arthritis.
- Lifestyle Changes: Maintaining a healthy weight, practicing good posture, and avoiding prolonged sitting or standing can help reduce strain on the lower back and prevent further damage.
Can a chiropractor help with joint pain?
Yes, a chiropractor can help with joint pain, particularly if the pain is related to musculoskeletal issues such as misalignments or subluxations in the spine or other joints.
Chiropractors use hands-on manipulation and other techniques to adjust the alignment of the spine and other joints in the body. By improving joint mobility and reducing tension in the surrounding muscles and tissues, chiropractic care can help alleviate joint pain and stiffness.
Does cracking your back give you arthritis?
This is a common myth. Those cracking sounds are generally caused by gas bubbles moving within the joint fluid and are not harmful. After all, our joints are meant to move freely all the time.
However, it’s not advised to crack your back on your own or force it into strange positions. Cracking your back or neck too frequently or forcefully may cause discomfort or strain in the surrounding muscles and tissues. Additionally, if done incorrectly or without proper training, self-manipulation of the spine can potentially cause injury, including damage to the ligaments or nerves.
$39 New Patient Special
Includes Consultation, Exam, Doctors Report of Findings, X-Rays (if necessary)
