Did you know there are over a 100 different forms of arthritis? Arthritis is an inflammatory condition that affects millions of people, with 3 million new diagnoses happening each year.
The pain and stiffness associated with arthritis truly impact a person’s quality of life. Imagine being unable to walk or do your favorite recreational activities comfortably. Luckily, there are some easy things you can do to alleviate the pain you’re experiencing.
Our team of Lake Mary pain relief experts at Kersenbrock Chiropractic have created a guide, arthritis pain relief in 5 steps, with the goal of helping those with arthritis live more comfortable, pain-free, and fulfilling lives.
What is Arthritis?
The term arthritis refers to the destruction of and/or swelling of one or more of a person’s joints. This particular type of inflammation causes stiffness and pain. When diagnosed with arthritis, many people ask, “How did this happen?
The two most common types of arthritis, Osteoarthritis (OA) and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), have very different root causes. While these are the two most common types, there are others.
Osteoarthritis (OA)
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. Caused by overuse, wear and tear, or an injury to the body’s joints, osteoarthritis results in damage to a joint’s cartilage.
Like oil in a car’s engine, cartilage is what makes movement possible and comfortable in a joint. When the cartilage wears away after years of use, joints rub together, causing friction, inflammation, and pain.
Osteoarthritis also affects the entire joint, substantially impacting the ligaments and connective tissues that support the joint.
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder. This type of arthritis refers to the body’s own immune system attacking a joint’s lining. This causes inflammation and pain.
If left untreated, rheumatoid arthritis eventually damages cartilage and bone.
Arthritis Contributing Factors May or May Not Include:
- Age: The risk factor of many types of arthritis increases with age
- Medical History: Those who have experienced joint injuries, such as a torn ACL, are more prone to experiencing arthritis later in life
- Family History: Some genes have been linked to the likelihood of developing arthritis
- Obesity: Carrying excess weight puts stress on the joints, increasing the likelihood of developing arthritis
Arthritis Pain Relief: 5 Natural Options
If you’ve recently been diagnosed with arthritis, you may be feeling a lot of anxiety. Luckily, there are some very tangible and practical things that you can do to lessen the impact that arthritis has on your life. The team at Kersenbrock Chiropractic has treated hundreds of arthritis patients, and in our experience, here are 5 things you can do to increase your quality of life if you experience arthritis pain.
1. Reduce Stress
Physical and mental stress can have an impact on your health and well-being following an arthritis diagnosis. Stress management plays a critical role as you navigate and adjust so that your pain levels don’t impact your quality of life.
Massage therapy is an excellent means of stress management. Not only does it allow you time to unwind mentally, but it can help reduce inflammation in areas where you’re experiencing stiffness due to arthritis. We also highly recommend adding CBD to your massage, which can provide topical relief for arthritis pain you’re experiencing.
2. Add Anti-Inflammatory Foods to Your Diet
Dr Ben’s food rule: If it ran, swam, grew or flew it’s probably good for you…BUT if your food is golden brown or doesn’t rot it’s NOT!
Believe it or not, some foods cause inflammation in the body. When you have arthritis and also consume many inflammatory foods, the arthritis pain you experience may be exacerbated. Examples of inflammatory foods include fried foods, refined carbs (white bread), sodas and sweetened drinks, and more.
Anti-Inflammatory Foods Include:
- Leafy Greens: spinach, kale, arugula, and chard
- Nuts: almonds, walnuts, pistachios, and pecans
- Fatty fish: salmon, trout, and herring
- Olive oil
Making a few manageable switches as far as your diet can go a long way when you’re trying to manage inflammation caused by arthritis.
To make an appointment, call the office at (407) 732-6920
3. Weight Management
Managing your weight directly impacts your arthritis; weight management reduces the pressure put on your joints, thereby reducing inflammation, stiffness, and pain while improving mobility.
Our medical team has a decade of combined experience in medical weight loss. We use only the safest products and combine a holistic approach to reach your target.
4. Try Acupuncture
Are you seeking natural options for arthritis pain relief? Medical practitioners have trusted acupuncture for centuries. Research shows that acupuncture can increase the quality of life for those diagnosed with arthritis.
How does acupuncture provide pain relief exactly?
Acupuncture treatments target the central nervous system (CNS). When the CNS is stimulated in particular areas, chemicals are released that prompt the body to “self-regulate.” For those experiencing pain from arthritis, your acupuncturist will focus on those areas for relief.
Whether you’ve had acupuncture previously or are new to acupuncture, the Kersenbrock Chiropractic team is here to guide you through the process.
5. Visit the Salt Room
You’ve probably heard that Himalayan salt has numerous benefits, but have you been to a salt room?
If you’re looking for a relaxing experience that provides an immune boost, visiting a salt room is an excellent option. Research has demonstrated that salt exposure has helped reduced arthritis pain.
Salt Therapy can also help with:
- Allergy Symptoms
- Asthma
- Cold & Flu
- Skin Conditions
- & Stress
Salt Remedy, a part of Kersenbrock Chiropractic, is open for those seeking to take advantage of the many benefits the salt room can provide.
Arthritis Pain Relief in Lake Mary
If you’re having trouble managing your arthritis symptoms, the Kersenbrock Chiropractic team is here to help. We know how frustrating this can be and want you to know that you’re not alone when it comes to handling it.
Our team of experts will create an integrative wellness plan that will reduce your stiffness, pain, and discomfort associated with arthritis.
From massage therapy to acupuncture and our salt room, we proudly offer many services that can benefit you!