Health Resource Center

Joint Pain: How Chiropractic Care Can Relieve Your Discomfort

Joints are important musculoskeletal structures that connect bones to one another. Some facilitate different types of movement while others remain fixed. Joint pain is a very common and often debilitating problem with around one-third of all adults experiencing it at some point during their lifetime. Fortunately, there are treatments that can help and one of the most effective is chiropractic care.

Here’s what you need to know about joint pain and how chiropractic care can help relieve discomfort.
 

Causes of joint pain

There are many different things that can cause joint pain. The most common is a condition called osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis occurs when the protective cartilage that usually protects the ends of bones begins to deteriorate, causing them to rub against one another. This friction causes pain, swelling, and problems moving the joint.

Other potential causes of joint pain include but are not limited to:

• Gout

• Bursitis

• Inflammation of the joint lining

• Damage to the cartilage at the back of the kneecap

• Bleeding into the joint space

• A fracture to the bones of the joint

• Other types of arthritis such as rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis
   

Your chiropractor will be able to assess your condition to determine the cause of your joint pain and recommend chiropractic techniques to help ease your discomfort.
 

Symptoms and signs associated with joint pain

Joint pain is just one of the symptoms that you might experience due to the underlying cause of your discomfort. Some of the others can include:

• Joint stiffness

• Joint warmth

• Limping

• Loss of range of motion in the joint

• Weakness
   

Chiropractic care and joint pain

Chiropractic treatment is a popular alternative to conventional medicine when it comes to treating the many causes of joint pain. It can also be used alongside medications and other conventional treatments.

Chiropractic care focuses on eliminating misalignments in the spine and joints so that there is less pressure on the spinal cord and central nervous system. This allows all bodily systems to function optimally and boost circulation, enabling blood and nutrients to be delivered to the areas of the body that require healing. A reduction in inflammation helps to counteract spinal and joint motion problems, easing movement and reducing the pain that you might be experiencing, without the need for pain medications.

Chiropractors can also help address other factors that could be contributing to your joint pain, such as poor posture or sleep position, or not warming up or cooling down properly when exercising.

Chiropractic treatment plans are personalized and tailored to the needs of each individual. This means that the precise techniques used, frequency of appointments, and overall the care you are given will vary depending on the extent of your joint problem.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a brain injury resulting from a sudden blow or impact on your head, causing damage to your brain. The damage can be mild or severe. It can significantly impact your physical, cognitive, and emotional health. 

Causes of TBI

TBI causes range from falls to sports-related injuries, car accidents, and violent assaults. The main causes of TBI are motor vehicle accidents and falls. Children, elderly adults, and military personnel can suffer from TBI.

Symptoms of TBI

TBI symptoms can include the following:
 

• Headaches

• Loss of consciousness

• Loss of balance

• Dizziness

• Convulsions or seizures

• Nausea or vomiting

• Sensory changes, such as ringing in the ears or blurred vision

• Fatigue or drowsiness

• Disorientation or confusion

• Mood changes

• Disorientation or confusion

Diagnosing TBI

Diagnosing TBI can be challenging as its symptoms may not appear immediately after the injury. The diagnosis may involve a physical examination and a neurological evaluation. It also entails imaging tests, such as a CT scan or MRI. A thorough examination evaluation is necessary to determine the severity of the injury. It assists in developing an appropriate treatment plan.

TBI Treatment Options

The treatment options for TBI depend on the severity or harshness of the injury. TBI may require only over-the-counter pain relievers and rest. More extreme cases may require surgery, hospitalization, or rehabilitation. 

Your doctor may prescribe medications such as antidepressants or pain relievers to manage your symptoms. A referral for surgery may be necessary if you have a significant brain injury. Surgery will relieve pressure on your brain or remove blood clots.

Rehabilitation can help people with TBI to regain their lost skills or learn new ones. It may involve physical, occupational, and speech therapy. Counseling can help a person with TBI cope with the emotional and physical effects of the injury. It may include individual therapy, family therapy, or support groups.

Preventing TBI

TBI prevention involves reducing the chances of accidents or injuries leading to TBI. Wearing helmets and seatbelts can reduce the risk of head injuries in motorcycles or car accidents. Avoiding alcohol and drugs is also beneficial, as they can impair your judgment. 

It is also vital to safeguard your home. You can do so by installing safety rails on stairs and using nonslip mats in the bathroom. Securing loose rugs can reduce the risk of falls, particularly for children and elderly adults.

Additionally, be cautious when playing sports. Using proper protective equipment and following safety rules when playing sports can reduce the chances of TBI. Avoid risky behavior such as texting while driving to reduce the chances of car accidents and TBI.

Living With TBI

Living with TBI can be a challenging experience, both for the person with the injury and their loved ones. But with appropriate treatment and support, people with these conditions can lead fulfilling lives. It is vital to follow the treatment plan given by your specialist.

Practicing self-care, such as eating healthy and getting enough sleep, helps promote healing and reduce the chances of experiencing complications. Seek support from your family and friends to help manage the emotional and psychological effects of the injury. It is vital to manage your expectations. You can start by recognizing that recovery from TBI can take time and some symptoms may be permanent.