Healthy Solutions for Rheumatoid Arthritis by Dr. Amit Patel DC to learn more about Ipswich Spine Clinic and our practice in Ipswich, Suffolk.
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For decades, arthritis was considered an inherent part of the aging process and a signal to a patient that it was time to slow down. But not anymore. Recent research points out that people much younger can develop rheumatoid arthritis pain. The best news is that people no longer need to suffer needlessly. Research and clinical findings show that there is much more to life for arthritis patients than the traditional recommendation of bed rest and drug therapy.
Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis
The word “arthritis” means “joint inflammation” and is often used in reference to pain affecting a certain part of the body, for example the neck or low back. Recent studies indicate that arthritis and arthritic pain affect up to 80% of people over 50 years of age, but not all. Specifically, rheumatoid arthritis causes pain, swelling, stiffness, and loss of function in the joints. Several features distinguish it from other kinds of arthritis: tender, warm, and swollen joints; fatigue, sometimes fever; and a general sense of not feeling well. Pain and stiffness last for more than 30 minutes after a long rest.
The condition is symmetrical. If one hand is affected, the other one is too. The wrist and finger joints closest to the hand are most frequently affected. Neck, shoulder, elbow, hip, knee, ankle, and feet joints can also be affected. The disease can last for years and can affect other parts of the body, not only the joints.
Rheumatoid arthritis is also highly individual. Some people suffer from mild arthritis that lasts from a few months to a few years and then goes away. Mild or moderate arthritis sufferers have periods of worsening symptoms (flares) and periods of remission. Finally, people with severe arthritis can feel pain most of the time. The pain lasts for many years and can cause serious joint damage and disability.
Chiropractic Care
As spinal and musculoskeletal specialists, we look at x-rays every day. What we observe is that arthritis often develops in areas where there have been misalignments, or areas where a trauma has occurred and been left untreated over a long period of time. For instance, if you suffered back or neck pain from a car accident, sporting injury, or even held improper posture at work for a long time, over the years that area of the body can degenerate and your body’s protective mechanism of swelling (arthritis) will result.
In the traditional treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, anti-inflammatories are most frequently prescribed to patients, but these are unfortunately linked to dangerous side effects such as blurred vision, increased blood pressure, digestive ulcers and bleeding, kidney problems, dizziness, and even possibly death.
Chiropractic care is a safe and natural approach that addresses the body as a whole system. This whole-body approach incorporates exercise, nutrition, and improved function and mobility for the best and most long-lasting results.
What makes our team special? Our team specializes in techniques and treatments that address the cause of arthritic pain directly, rather than simply masking the symptoms of inflammation.
We Can Help!
Rheumatoid arthritis requires rehabilitation programs that cater to specific needs and take a long-term approach. Patience is required for these programs, and it is essential to remember that the problem has developed over many years and will not be fixed in a matter of weeks or months. Progress should be seen in the short term, but such situations usually require consistent, ongoing attention to achieve the long-term solution.
Applying the appropriate rehabilitation program to this degenerative condition is critically important, and chiropractic care can be of great assistance in achieving maximum rewards. By enabling the greatest mobility of the spine and the best function of your nervous system, regular chiropractic care’s strategic goal is not only to restore function but also to revitalize the health of the entire body.
Our practice staff has been uniquely formulated to bring together the right combination of knowledge, techniques, and support to help you and your family members. Not only will we help you achieve health and wellness by reducing and eliminating pain, but we will also help future generations learn to be proactive and avoid degenerative processes like arthritis, allowing them to fully enjoy the activities they desire for their entire lives!
For Your Health,
Dr. Amit Patel DC
An Optimal Spine Equals Optimal Health
Ipswich Spine Clinic
Neale Chambers, 6-8 Neale Street,
Ipswich, Suffolk, IP1 3JB
Phone: 01473 232 002
