Arthritis

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Arthritis is a broad term that refers to the inflammation of one or more joints, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness. There are several types of arthritis, with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis being the most common.

 

Osteoarthritis (OA)

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Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease characterized by the breakdown of cartilage that cushions the ends of bones in a joint. Osteoarthritis is a major cause of pain and disability, affecting millions worldwide.

 

Research published in "The Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics" (Brantingham et al., 2013) suggests that chiropractic care, including spinal adjustments and mobilization, can contribute to pain reduction and improved function in patients with osteoarthritis.

 

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

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Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks the synovium, the lining of the membranes that surround the joints.

 

While chiropractic care does not target the autoimmune aspect of RA, some studies, like the one in "Clinical Rheumatology" (Yazdi et al., 2017), suggest that chiropractic interventions may help manage pain and improve the quality of life for rheumatoid arthritis patients.

 

Psoriatic Arthritis

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Psoriatic arthritis is a type of inflammatory arthritis that can affect people with psoriasis, causing joint pain, stiffness, and swelling. Chiropractic interventions targeting joint function and pain management may be explored in the overall management approach.

 

In summary, arthritis encompasses various conditions, each with its unique characteristics. Chiropractic care, through techniques such as spinal adjustments and mobilization, may offer benefits in managing pain and improving function for individuals with certain types of arthritis. However, it's crucial for individuals with arthritis to consult and co-manage with healthcare professionals to determine the most appropriate and evidence-based management plan for their specific condition.