September is Arthritis Awareness Month, a time to shine a spotlight on a condition that affects over 6 million Canadians—1 in 5 people! This number is expected to rise in the coming years, highlighting the need for more awareness and support.
Did you know:
➡2.4 million Canadians report that arthritis significantly limits their daily activities, impacting their ability to work and care for themselves.
➡ Nearly 60% of arthritis patients are women, with the condition affecting 1 in 4 women compared to 1 in 6 men.
➡ Among older adults, nearly 50% of Canadians aged 65 and over suffer from arthritis, making it a leading cause of pain and disability in this age group.
These numbers underscore just how widespread and concerning arthritis is in Canada.
Understanding Arthritis
There is no known cure for arthritis, characterized by inflammation of the joints, and often accompanied by debilitating pain. Imagine a pain so intense, it affects your ability to perform daily tasks and function, potentially reducing your overall quality of life. At Alliance Chiropractic & Wellness Clinic, we understand how challenging arthritis can be. We offer a variety of treatment options to help you manage your symptoms, promoting function and supporting your ability to continue to maintain an active and fulfilling life.
Arthritis encompasses more than 100 different types of joint diseases.The most common forms are:
- Osteoarthritis (OA): Often referred to as degenerative joint disease, OA is caused by the wear and tear of cartilage, the protective tissue at the ends of bones. This leads to pain, swelling, and decreased mobility (movement) in the affected joints.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): An autoimmune disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues, leading to inflammation and joint damage.
While these conditions can significantly impact your life, chiropractic care can help patients manage arthritis symptoms using a holistic and drug/surgery free approach.
How Chiropractic Care Helps Manage Arthritis
Chiropractors are experts in musculoskeletal health, and offer a variety of treatment options to help patients manage arthritis symptoms. Whether you’re dealing with the early stages of osteoarthritis or more advanced rheumatoid arthritis, chiropractic care can provide significant symptom relief and improve your quality of life.
Early Detection and Diagnosis
Early intervention is the key to managing arthritis effectively. At Alliance Chiropractic, we start with a comprehensive assessment to understand your history and symptoms to identify the type of arthritis you’re dealing with. This may include a physical examination, imaging tests, and a review of your medical history.
By diagnosing arthritis early, we can develop a treatment plan to help alleviate pain, restore movement, and improve function. Many of our patients also cite reduced medication use as a benefit of ongoing chiropractic care.
A Variety of Treatment Options and Personalized Care Plans
Once a diagnosis is made, we work with you to create a treatment plan customized to your needs. Treatment options may include:
- Joint Manipulation: Gentle adjustments to improve joint mobility and reduce pain. This is particularly effective in managing osteoarthritis symptoms by reducing the pressure on affected areas.
- Soft Tissue Therapy: Techniques such as massage and myofascial release to relieve muscle tension and improve blood flow around the joints, helping reduce pain, swelling, and stiffness.
- Exercise Therapy: Customized exercises focused on strengthening the muscles around the joints, improving flexibility, and enhancing overall joint function. Movement and regular physical activity is crucial for managing arthritis and maintaining mobility.
- Lifestyle and Ergonomic Advice: Guidance on how to modify your daily activities and environment to reduce joint strain. This may include postural advice, guidance to create ergonomically correct office/work spaces, or providing safe techniques for daily tasks such as lifting and bending.
An Integrated and Collaborative Approach for Comprehensive Support
At Alliance Chiropractic, we believe in a collaborative approach to arthritis care and management, and will work closely with other healthcare professionals, including your family doctor, rheumatologists, and physical therapists. If you require additional diagnostic tests or specialized treatments, we can collaborate with others on your medical team. This integrated approach allows us to monitor and understand all aspects of your condition so we can better support pain management and help your restore and maintain your optimal level of health and well-being.
The Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Arthritis Patients
Patients who incorporate chiropractic care for arthritis treatment and management plan, benefit from:
- Pain Relief: Through joint manipulation, soft tissue therapy, and other treatments, chiropractic care can significantly reduce the pain and discomfort associated with arthritis.
- Improved Mobility: By improving joint function and reducing stiffness, chiropractic care can help you maintain or even enhance your mobility, allowing you to stay active and independent.
- Enhanced Quality of Life: Managing arthritis symptoms effectively can improve your overall quality of life, making it easier to perform daily activities and enjoy the things you love.
Take Action This Arthritis Awareness Month
Living with arthritis doesn’t have to mean living with constant pain and limited movement. With the right care and support, you can manage your symptoms and lead a fulfilling, active life. If you or a loved one is struggling with arthritis, consider chiropractic care as a safe, effective option for managing your condition.
At Alliance Chiropractic & Wellness Clinic, we’re committed to helping you navigate the challenges of arthritis. Contact us today to schedule an assessment and learn how our personalized care plans can help you manage pain and maintain function so you can continue to do the things you love.
Information for this blog was sourced from the Arthritis.ca, Ontario Chiropractic Association and the Canadian Chiropractic Association.
Want to stay updated on health information? Subscribe to our quarterly newsletter here.