Massage Therapy Q & A

What is arthritis?

While there are 100 types of arthritis, each falls into one of two major categories:

Osteoarthritis, is the most common form of arthritis, affecting more than 20 million Americans. It occurs when the protective cartilage on the ends of bones in joints wear down over time. Although osteoarthritis can damage any joint, it most often affects joints in the hands, knees, hips and spine. The likelihood of developing arthritis increases with age, due to years of wear and tear on cartilage, but it can occur in patients of all ages. Arthritis can be the result of a misalignment of bones (often in the spine), overuse from specific jobs or sports. Individuals who are overweight are at greater risk for developing osteoarthritis, as are those who have sustained joint injuries while playing a sport or other situations.
Rheumatoid arthritis, also called juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, encompasses a long list of diseases that cause the body’s immune system to attacks its own cells and tissues. The exact cause of rheumatoid arthritis is unknown. It is the most common type of arthritis in children under the age of 17.

What are the symptoms of arthritis?

All types of arthritis causes varying degrees of:

• Pain or aching
• Stiffness
• Swelling
• Redness
• Decreased range of motion

How is arthritis treated at Atlas Chiropractic?

Unlike traditional medicine that treats arthritis symptoms with painkillers –over-the-counter or prescriptions, and in severe cases, surgery – chiropractic approaches are all natural and drug-free. Among the arthritis treatments used at Atlas Chiropractic are:

• Adjustments. If cartilage is being worn away or bones grinding on bones due to misalignments, they can be corrected with adjustments.
• Ultrasound therapy. Applied to soft tissues and joints, ultrasound waves can have a massaging effect that decreases swelling, pain and stiffness.
• Trigger-point therapy. Applying gentle pressure to a specific area of muscle where a patient experiences pain to alleviate that pain.
• Specialized exercises and stretches.

What Causes Lower Back Pain?

Back pain can be caused by a range of ailments and injury, by overuse resulting in soft tissue injuries, sprains, and strains, or bone fractures. It can be caused by herniated discs, by osteoarthritis in the spine, or by rare conditions like spondylitis, bacterial infections, and tumors.

Understanding the cause of lower back pain requires a thorough examination which may include CT, MRI, or other scans. Only when the cause of the ailment is clear can treatment begin.
What Symptoms Should Patients Not Ignore?

Any pain is a sign that something is wrong but some symptoms are certainly indicators of a more severe condition than others. Those who experience weakness in their extremities, whether it’s the legs, arms, or face, should see a doctor immediately. If the back pain radiates into the chest, the patient should immediately seek medical assistance.

Tenderness and pain in the rear lower leg could mean a potentially fatal blood clot. If back pain is causing respiratory troubles, the patient should seek medical assistance right away. All of these could be related to back problems or could indicate serious ailments like stroke or heart attack.
How Can a Chiropractor Help?

Chiropractors specialize in injuries to the back, spine, and nervous system. They engage in highly effective non-invasive treatments of musculoskeletal and nervous disorders. By treating the areas where the pain originates (which may not be where the patient feels the pain), they alleviate the injury, allowing patients to improve strength and mobility, and restore their health and wellness.

Treatment by a chiropractor will usually involve spinal manipulation, but can also involve specialized physical therapy and exercise routines custom-tailored to the individual needs of the patient. By setting goals for recovery and preventative efforts, a chiropractor can not only restore the health of a patient but can help to avoid further illness and injury in the future.