Arthritis afflicts more than 50 million Americans and also represents the main cause of disability, according to Arthritis.org. Considering these statistics, disease prevention is of paramount importance. While genetics and age play key roles in a heightened risk of arthritis, there are other factors that can be used to limit the probability of the onset of this disease.
Preventative Choices
Two the most important preventative lifestyle choices are to avoid smoking and focus on weight management. A third strategy to prevent arthritis is to avoid repetitive movements that strain joints or can cause injuries. Certain jobs, sports and hobbies are likely to fall in this category. Anytime repeated strain is placed on specific joints of the body due to particular lifestyle choices, then it is worth evaluating whether that activity warrants increasing the risk of arthritis.
Treatments
While it is common for people with arthritis to turn to anti-inflammatory medicine, especially when the pain becomes significant, there are many other proven treatments that work for patients to relieve symptoms and increase range of motion to live a more fulfilling life. Strengthening muscles around painful joints is one treatment method that has shown to work for many sufferers of this disease. Applying heat and cold to painful joints also helps in many cases.
Chiropractors have also proven to be an important resource for the treatment of arthritis. With a growing interest in holistic treatments that do not include drugs, chiropractors are in demand. Ultrasound, Electrotherapy, infrared sauna and cold lasers represent solutions patients can find at a chiropractor’s office. Visiting Spinal Dynamics or checking out their website is a great first step for getting more information about ways to treat painful symptoms of arthritis without turning to drugs that can have harmful side effects.
Suffering from arthritis? Make an appointment at Spinal Dynamics by calling 208 888 0055 or filling out our contact form to discuss if you are a candidate for chiropractic treatment.
