Treat Arthritis of the Spine in Chicago

Arthritis is an extremely common condition that causes pain and inflammation in and around joints in the body. There are more than 100 types of arthritis, but some are more prevalent than others. The most common type of arthritis is known as osteoarthritis and this is estimated to affect around 31 million Americans. Whilst it can affect anyone of any age, it is generally more common in older people and this is because it is characterized by the natural degeneration of the joints. The other most routinely diagnosed type of arthritis is known as rheumatoid arthritis and this occurs as a result of an autoimmune disorder that sees your immune system attacking the cells that line your joints by mistake.

About arthritis of the spine

Arthritis can affect any joint in the body, including the spine. Our spine is made up of a series of bones, called vertebrae, that are interspersed with soft, gel-filled pads called intervertebral discs. When arthritis affects the spine, it causes a breakdown of the cartilage of the joints and discs in the neck and lower back. In some cases, arthritis also triggers the growth of bony spurs that protrude from the spine and place pressure on the nerves leaving the spinal column.

Some of the symptoms of arthritis affecting the spine include joint tenderness and stiffness, limited range of motion and neurological effects such as tingling, numbness, and weakness in the legs and arms. These can be very debilitating for patients. Fortunately, there are a variety of treatments available, one of which is chiropractic care.

Chiropractic care for arthritis of the spine

Chiropractic care is a form of non-invasive treatment that involves the manipulation of the spine and joints in order to reduce pain and improve function and mobility. It has been proven to be highly effective in the management and treatment of a range of musculoskeletal disorders including the key types of arthritis.

Many people mistakenly think that chiropractic care is guaranteed to be painful. However, this is rarely the case and there is a lot more to the therapy than simply popping joints and cracking backs. In fact, it may surprise you to learn that there are well over a hundred different techniques that chiropractors routinely use to induce the benefits associated with chiropractic care.

By re-aligning the spine and reducing joint restrictions through manual manipulations, our chiropractic team can reduce inflammation and improve the function of both the affected joints within the spine and the nervous system as a whole. This makes the body better able to heal itself and manage the symptoms being caused by arthritis.

Benefits of chiropractic care for arthritis of the spine

• Reduced pain and discomfort

• Decreased inflammation

• Improved range of motion

• Improved flexibility

• Greater ability to live a full and active lifestyle

• Less reliance on pain medications

• Non-invasive

• Short treatment sessions with no downtime

If you would like to find out more about the benefits of chiropractic care for arthritis of the spine, or if you are ready to schedule an appointment to discuss your treatment plan, please get in touch with our offices where our experienced team are on hand to assist you.