There are over 100 known types of arthritis, and of these, rheumatoid arthritis affects 1.5 million adults in the U.S. and causes pain and reduces mobility and flexibility in the joints. With the help of compassionate chiropractic care, the symptoms of this disease can be managed and its more painful effects brought under control. In this guide, you’ll learn more about rheumatoid arthritis and how a chiropractor can help.

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that can cause joint swelling and pain throughout the body. In a normal immune system, antibodies attack and eliminate harmful intruders, like viruses and bacteria.

But with rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system mistakes the body’s joints as foreign bodies themselves, attacking them and causing stiffness, pain, and swelling, often leaving the joints feeling tender and warm to the touch.

Over time, this can leave the joints permanently loose, weakened, and unable to function normally or support the body’s weight. It can also cause damage to other systems of the body, including the skin, eyes, heart, lungs, and blood vessels.

How Can Those With the Condition Benefit From Chiropractic Care?

Luckily for those who struggle with rheumatoid arthritis, chiropractic care can be an excellent way to reduce the effects of the disease using chiropractic adjustments and non-invasive therapy. In fact, the American College of Physicians revised its recommendations for the treatment of arthritic back pain in 2017 to include chiropractic treatment due to the reduced strain of care that doesn’t involve medication or surgical intervention.

Chiropractic treatment can benefit rheumatoid arthritis patients in the following ways:

• Restored nervous system: chiropractic treatment helps to restore the nervous system to normal functionality, helping to improve the body’s natural communication system and reducing pain.
• Increased range of motion: restricted movement can be treated with manual chiropractic adjustments of the spine or joint manipulation in the extremities, restoring normal movements through the use of concentrated pressure for pain relief and renewed flexibility.
• Decreases swelling and inflammation: the manipulation or adjustment of joints can help joints flex and move more fluently and comfortably, consequently reducing painful swelling and uncomfortable warmth and tenderness in the tissue surrounding the joint.

Additionally, a chiropractor can advise you on nutritional supplements, diets, and light exercise and stretching that can help strengthen your immune system, improve the nervous system, and maintain a good range of motion and control swelling.

To get started reducing rheumatoid arthritis pain and restoring your ability to move and live normally with the help of chiropractic care, turn to Eastern Hills Chiropractic in Cincinnati, OH. The team of experienced professionals at this practice will offer you a considered and personalized treatment plan that considers your needs to help you begin to recover. Call (513) 528-2200 to schedule an appointment or visit their website to learn more about their services.