More than 54 million Americans suffer from some form of joint pain, including knee pain, neck pain, back pain, etc. and other. Joint pain can be caused by various factors, including aging, sports injuries and arthritis. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution for managing joint pain, at Newton Center Chiropractic in Newton, MA, we offer various chiropractic care techniques that may help ease your symptoms.
What is Joint Pain?
Joint pain is any discomfort or soreness felt in the joints or muscles. Joints are where two bones come together, such as the knees, hips, elbows, or shoulders. Joint pain can range from mild to severe and can be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term).
What Causes Joint Pain?
Many different factors can contribute to joint pain. Age is one of the most common causes, as the joints, muscles, ligaments and bones begin to wear down over time. Injury is another common cause of pain, stemming from sports injuries, slips, and falls. Finally, arthritis may cause of joint pain, as the cartilage surrounding the bone wears away and there is less cushion, so to speak in between the joints.
Chiropractic Care for Joint Pain
Chiropractic care involves the correction of misalignments in the spine. Normally, the brain sends messages down the spinal cord (protected by the spinal column) and out through the nerves which exit on either side of the vertebra. These nerves deliver information to the proper muscle or organ the brain intends them to.
When a vertebra is misaligned, it places pressure on the signal of information. This pressure or signal interruption can cause a vast range of symptoms which may include: pain, numbness/tingling and a decreased range of motion.
Spinal Adjustment
The spinal adjustment is only performed after careful analysis and palpation of the spine. The purpose of the spinal adjustment is to restore proper alignment and therefore lessen pressure on the affected nerves that may be causing discomfort. The spinal adjustment may be done by hand or through a gentle tool called an Activator.
Extremity Adjustment
Extremities such as knees, ankles, shoulders, wrist, elbows or hands may also be examined to ensure normal motion. If there is a decrease in the range of motion of one of these joints, it may affect the nerve passing through or around that joint and also lead to pain, numbness or tingling.
Doing the following in conjunction with the spinal or extremity adjustment may be beneficial:
Exercise
Exercise is an important part of treatment in helping to strengthen the surrounding muscles. Our doctors may recommend individualized exercises depending on the findings of their examination.
Ultrasound and Electrical Stimulation
These types of therapy use either sound waves or electrical impulses to help reduce pain. They can also help to increase blood flow and reduce inflammation. The doctor may recommend one of these therapies in conjunction with your adjustment.
Hot and Cold Therapy
Hot or cold therapy can be helpful in reducing inflammation and swelling. Remember, if the pain is new (within a week) it’s best to use ice on and off for 20 minutes. If the pain is chronic, or has been ongoing for over 2 weeks, heat on and off for 20 minutes is best.
Visit Our Office to See if We can Help You with Your Joint Pain
If you are looking for a solution to your joint pain, our team at Newton Center Chiropractic in Newton, MA, can help. We offer individualized chiropractic care based on your specific needs. We work hard to help you get the help you need. Contact us today at (617) 221-3654 to schedule an appointment. We look forward to serving you!