Arthritis treatment in Virginia Beach.
What is arthritis?
Arthritis affects about 40 million Americans of all ages. Degenerative arthritis often referred to as degenerative disc disease, degenerative joint disease or osteoarthritis afflicts the weight-bearing joints: the knees, hips and spine primarily but can affect any joint. It often manifests following an injury or from repetitive physical tasks that place excess stress upon the joint.
Rheumatoid arthritis is the most severe type of inflammatory joint disease. It is an autoimmune disorder in which the bodies immune system attacks and damages joints and surrounding soft tissue.
Symptoms of degenerative disc disease (osteoarthritis)
Osteoarthritis comes on gradually, often after an injury to the bone or connective tissue. This pain worsens and leads to destruction and enlargement of the joint. It doesn’t migrate to other parts of the body. Osteoarthritis can do its damage painlessly over the coarse of years, and suddenly show its ugly head. Stiffness and a chronic ache are common. Generally no swelling or redness with degenerative disc disease.
Rheumatoid arthritis can come on suddenly or gradually, with many joints involved. It is most common in the hands, feet and arms, where it can deform joints and cause redness, extreme pain, swelling and tenderness of joints. Rheumatoid often migrates to other joints.
Treatment for degenerative joint disease (osteoarthritis)
Fixation, scar tissue, and adhesion in the tissue surrounding the joints is what leads to the degeneration of arthritis. One belief is its the bodies attempt to heal itself by way of fusing the joint in an attempt to stabilize it. Either way the best way to attack it is through motion. Stretching, exercise and an active life style go a long way to keeping arthritis down. Of coarse specific chiropractic adjustments to a fixated joint can relieve symptoms and hopefully help to prevent future degeneration. Diet can play a large role in the treatment and prevention of degenerative joint disease.
Studies have shown that all arthritis symptoms are reduced, even for those with rheumatoid arthritis, after a person adopts a vegetarian diet, free of all animal foods, including-and especially-dairy products.
Foods to eat:
green leafy veggies, sea weeds, carrots, spirulina, barley and wheat grass, avocados, pecans, whole grains and salmon, sardines and herring.
Foods to avoid:
red meat, dairy and eggs, alcohol, caffeine, refined sugar, excess salt, spinach, cranberries, chard, tomatoes, peppers and tobacco products.
Herbs to treat arthritis.
- Fever few – two capsules three times per day.
- Devils claw or wild yam – three capsules three times a day.
- Hawthorn – two capsules three to four times per day.
- White willow bark – two capsules for pain as needed.
- Turmeric – two capsules three times a day.
- Herbal remedies will reduce inflammation and pain and stimulate circulation. Try any of the above.
Supplements
- Beta-carotene
- Vitamin B complex
- Niacin amide
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin C
- Calcium
- Omega 3 fats
These lists are a little old and I am sure there are a multitude of replacements. Its a good natural place to start and the bottom line is that what we put in our bodies greatly affects the way we feel and age. Get your arthritis under control today! Call New Life Chiropractic
Rheumatoid arthritis
Inflammatory (rheumatoid/psoriatic) arthritis is caused when antibodies attack the fluid of the synovial joint, resulting in chronic inflammation. It is the third most common type of arthritis and affects every sufferer differently. Currently, there is no cure for inflammatory arthritis, but research revealed that it occurs as a result of an autoimmune disorder.
Pain, stiffness, and swelling of the joints are all commonly known symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. If you begin to experience stubborn joint pains often lasting over 30 minutes, you should consider getting diagnosed and treated. Whether health care is not available to you or you just prefer not to use medication, know that there are other treatment options for treating arthritis. Natural remedies can be used to alleviate some of the symptoms you experience with rheumatoid arthritis. Opting for natural treatments can save you money and give you peace of mind about what you are putting into your body. Here are some natural treatments and remedies for those dealing with inflammatory arthritis.
Garlic
Garlic is known to be helpful in treating many health conditions. It has been clinically supported that garlic can be used to treat diabetes, colds, and inflammatory arthritis, just to name a few. It strengthens the immune system and has anti-inflammatory properties. Plus, it can reverse the effects of nephrotoxicity, a side effect of drugs commonly prescribed for arthritis treatment.A study in 1999 observed the effects of garlic on 30 patients who suffered from inflammatory arthritis. They found that the garlic improved many of their symptoms with no side effects.
Willow Bark
Originating in China, willow bark spread across the world as many began to see its medicinal properties, especially when combatting inflammatory arthritis. Willow bark is known to relieve pain and possess anti-inflammatory properties. Even Hippocrates advised his patients to chew on the bark for relief from the pain and inflammation. Willow bark is effective because it contains the compound salicin, which is similar to aspirin.A study was conducted to observe willow barks effect on back pain. Participants were given different dosages of willow bark. At the end of the study, they reported relief and some even became free of pain.
Green Tea Leaves
Green tea leaves have been used for medicine for centuries since they contain strong antioxidants. The Arthritis Foundation found that the polyphenols in green tea have anti-inflammatory properties.University of Michigan scientists found evidence supporting claims that the epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) in green tea can benefit those who suffer from inflammatory arthritis. ECGC has also been found to potentially help protect the cartilage and bones that break down with degenerative disc disease.The benefits of green tea leaves can be received by brewing and drinking it. It is best to let it steep for three to five minutes.
Turmeric
Originally used traditional Indian medicine for healing, turmeric is known to treat a large variety of ailments. From boosting the brain, to fighting diabetes, to combating depression, turmeric does it all.Turmeric has an active ingredient called curcumin, which is what gives the yellow powder its anti-inflammatory property. It is made even more effective when eaten with a black pepper as it contains capsaicin, an ingredient known to help with pain and swelling. Since higher doses of curcumin do not absorb well, using a black pepper to increase the absorption of the curcumin in turmeric makes a powerful combo. Try to eat both together as often as you can.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon contains both cinnamaldehyde and cinnamic acid. These ingredients have antioxidant properties. When used with other spices, it may offer an enhanced anti-inflammatory effect, but there is not as enough research to make any definitive conclusions.
Fish Oil
Fish oil can be used to treat inflammatory arthritis symptoms because of its omega-3 fatty acids. These acids block inflammation by being converted into resolvins, powerful anti-inflammatory chemicals, in the body. In addition to inflammation, fish oils can also help with morning stiffness.Fish oil can be found in the form of capsules, soft gels, chew able tablets, and liquids. Pregnant women should limit fish intake to avoid consuming excess mercury.
Evening Primrose Oil
Evening primrose oil comes from the evening primrose plant that is native to North America. The oil is a good source of the essential fatty acid called gamma-linolenic acid, an acid used for many therapeutic treatments.Evening primrose oil helps relieve symptoms of inflammatory arthritis because of its ability to suppress inflammatory responses. Plus, it can be taken as a dietary supplement. The other parts of the plant can also be eaten as normal green vegetables or made into a tea for brewing.
Supplements
Capsaicin
Capsaicin is derived from chili peppers, and it’s the component responsible for producing that characteristic heat we associate with them. When it is applied to the skin as a cream, gel, or as a patch, it works by activating the nerve receptors in the area. It also produces a mild burning or stinging sensation when it is applied. Since capsaicin activates the nerve receptors, they stop functioning correctly when it is applied regularly. This helps by interfering with their ability to send pain signals, providing relief to people who have inflammatory arthritis. Studies have shown that capsaicin is effective in reducing pain from arthritis, and one study in Germany found that people enjoyed a 50 percent reduction in their pain symptoms when they used a 0.05 percent capsaicin cream three times per day for three weeks.
Rose hip
Rose hips come from the seed pods of roses. When ground into a powder, rose hips can be a good source of vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant. When taken regularly, this powder helps to decrease inflammation by acting as an inhibitor to the production of certain enzymes and proteins that cause inflammation. A meta-analysis that was conducted in 2008 found that rose hip powder reduced the participants’ wrist, knee, and hip pain caused by degenerative joint disease by almost 33 percent. People take up to 5 grams of rose hip powder in capsule form each day for the best relief.
Green-lipped mussel extract
Green-lipped mussel extract is an extract taken from a specific type of mussel found in New Zealand. The extract is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which help to inhibit the production of inflammatory enzymes and proteins called leukotrienes. Green-lipped mussel extract has been shown to be just as effective as fish oil in reducing inflammation. Studies have demonstrated that the anti-inflammatory benefits of green-lipped mussel extract are effective at relieving the inflammation and pain that is caused by rheumatoid arthritis. One study found that this extract can also help to heal stomach ulcers. By contrast, NSAIDs may cause harm to the stomach. Patients are recommended take between 300 and 350 milligrams of green-lipped mussel extract in capsule form three times per day for the greatest possible benefit.
Gamma Linoleic Acid
Gamma Linoleic Acid is an omega-6 fatty acid found mostly in specific vegetable oils. When consumed, this omega-6 fatty acid is converted into anti-inflammatory compounds by the body. Preliminary trials have demonstrated that a marked improvement in joint pain, stiffness, and strength in those suffering from arthritis. When combined with an additional supplement containing fish oil, these benefits may be even more powerful. Although more research is needed into the effects of GLA, these results appear promising.
Ginger
Ginger is a flowering part that grows in various parts of the world. The root of this plant is used in cooking to provide a unique flavor to many dishes. As an added benefit, ginger root extracts and powders can have a strong anti-inflammatory effect similar to drugs such as ibuprofen. Some preliminary studies indicate these anti-inflammatory effects can be as strong as some of the steroids used in the treatment of inflammatory arthritis. Ginger can be helpful for relieving joint pain, improving stiffness, and maintaining a healthy range of motion.
Cat’s Claw
Many traditional medications used to treat arthritis are effective due to the fact that they inhibit the body’s tumor necrosis factor. Controlling TNF levels provides many benefits for the body overall, including improved immunity and less widespread inflammation. As a result, Cat’s Claw can be effective in reducing inflammation that those with inflammatory arthritis experience. Preliminary trials showed that arthritis patients consuming Cat’s Claw experienced as much as a 50% reduction in both joint pain and swelling. Continued research needs to be completed to determine if other benefits exist for these natural compounds.
Alternative Therapies
Chiropractic
Chiropractic is tailor made for the treatment of degenerative joint disease. Trauma, sports injuries and repetitive stress cause scar tissue and adhesion’s in the joints. Eventually this leads to a more complete fixation of the joint. Chiropractors find and isolate this fixation, and with chiropractic adjustments break these adhesion’s loose. This not only reduces pain but also restores a normal range of motion. I strongly believe occasional maintenance chiropractic treatments slow or even reverse the effects of degenerative disc disease. This is by far the treatment of choice with the least negative side effects.
Dry Needling
Dry Needling is a modern western form of needle therapy in which stainless-steel needles are inserted just below the surface of the skin. These needles are inserted in well-known energy channels throughout the body. According to modern scientific thinking, imbalances or blockages in nerve flow can lead to a variety of unpleasant symptoms in the body. The practice of Dry Needling is said to release these blockages and allow the energy to flow freely. Dry Needling can be an effective means of reducing body-wide inflammation in those who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis. It has been reported that dry needling also helps boost the number of endorphins produced by the body, which in turn provide a natural source of pain relief.
Hot and Cold Therapy
The application of both heat and cold temperatures have been used for generations in the treatment of many different ailments. While heat can be soothing and relaxing, cold temperatures are often recommended for reducing inflammation to damaged tissues. Depending on the individual, inflammatory arthritis can result in different types of pain. Some arthritis sufferers may experience burning pain. Others may feel discomfort associated with stiffness. Alternating hot and cold application to areas affected by arthritis can be very helpful in reducing pain. If a particular joint is feeling stiff and sore, the application of heat can relieve pain by relaxing the surrounding tissues. If the joint is experiencing burning pain, the application of a cold pack can reduce inflammation and the pain that results from it. Just keep in mind that you should always avoid putting heat on joints that are already red or inflamed.
