According to the CDC, nearly 24% of all American adults have arthritis. Arthritis is a condition that causes painful joint inflammation, resulting in a limited range of motion and stiffness. People can develop arthritis due to a bacterial joint infection, as an autoimmune disease, or as the result of the body's immune system attacking joints. Chiropractic care helps with pain management for many conditions, but people are often surprised to learn that visits to a chiropractor could help manage arthritis pain. For more details about arthritis and chiropractic care, consider the following guide.

What Do Chiropractors Do?

Chiropractors are healthcare professionals who promote wellness care instead of treating illnesses. They help people relieve pain, improve their flexibility, and enhance their range of motion by manipulating the spine to reduce pressure on compressed or pinched nerves. Throughout several visits, these professionals could help people manage back and neck pain and other problems caused by a misaligned spine.

How Can a Chiropractor Help People With Arthritis Pain?

Most people with arthritis rely on pain medication to help with their joint inflammation and swelling. Unfortunately, medications are not without side effects and can cause complications to one's health with long-term use. Since chiropractic care is natural and doesn't rely on drugs for pain management, people with arthritis in their back, neck, hips, and shoulders can get routine spinal manipulation treatments to improve their range of motion, strength, and flexibility. These improvements allow people with arthritis to feel better physically. 

Is Chiropractic Care Safe for People With Arthritis?

Chiropractic treatment is safe for those with osteoarthritis in their back or neck. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative form of the condition caused by joint trauma, like making repetitive movements while playing sports. Though spinal manipulation isn't ideal for people with active joint inflammation, they can still receive various treatments from their chiropractor. 

For instance, some practices use electrotherapy to stimulate the nerves and muscles around soft tissue injuries. Ultrasounds are another service. Unlike the common ultrasound equipment used to visualize soft tissues under the skin, chiropractic ultrasounds can massage swollen tissues using soundwaves to reduce swelling and alleviate pain. 

If you have chronic joint and muscle pain due to arthritis or an injury, turn to Farrell Chiropractic Care in Princeton, IL. This team of chiropractors has over seven decades of combined experience serving the Bureau County area by providing exceptional chiropractic care. They offer pain management solutions for various conditions, from carpal tunnel to sciatica pain. Call (815) 875-4408 or visit them online for more information about their services.