Joint Pain
What is a joint?
Joints are the connection sites between 2 or more bones. Any point on your skeletal system that can bend, twist, glide, pivot or roll is considered a joint. Some joints can only move in one plane like the knee and elbow, others can move in many different planes like the hip, shoulder or those along the spine.
The majority of joints throughout our bodies are surrounded by a fluid filled capsule, and some will even have a disc or meniscus in the joint space to allow for some cushion as the bones move. This is intended to allow for smooth motion between the joint surfaces and to maintain healthy joint function.
What causes joint pain?
Great Question!
Ever heard the saying “Motion is Lotion?”
It’s a great reminder that movement is important for joint health and the reduction of aching joints
Motion allows for the fluid filled joint to continue producing, or exchanging, the very fluid that keeps it healthy. When a joint becomes restricted, or feels stuck, fluid is no longer able to circulate properly from between the bone surfaces. This can lead to irritation, inflammation and eventually cause pain.
“Arthritis” is a term that simply means ”joint inflammation”
Some forms of arthritis are linked to autoimmune conditions, metabolic disorders, infections or general wear and tear over time. It is important to talk to your doctor about any hereditary/genetic factors that run in your family, common foods you eat, past or recent injuries or if you are experiencing fever with joint swelling.
These details can help determine treatment and co-management with your medical doctor or specialist may be necessary.
How can chiropractic help?
Great Question!
Remember - Motion is Lotion.
By adjusting the stiff joints , Doctors of Chiropractic help restore adequate range of motion to the joint that is restricted or subluxated. This allows for the restoration of proper body mechanics and alignment of the bones. Better joint mobility will therefore reduce inflammation, decrease painful movement and improve functionality.
