Joint Pain
Joints are the space between bones that allow for proper movement and function. Our body has many different types of joints, from those that barely move at all (e.g., the sutures in your skull) to synovial joints that move in many different directions (e.g., shoulder joints, ankle joints, hip joints, etc.). When the joints move properly, your muscles and ligaments function at an optimal level. This affords you proper function and no pain. When the joints don’t move properly, however, the function of your muscles and ligaments is adversely impacted. This is an ideal time to call to set up an appointment with a chiropractor.
Joint Pain Arthralgia (Greek for joint pain) is discomfort that occurs in a location where two bones meet. Pain can occur in joints anywhere in the body, including the hands, back, knees, neck and shoulders. There are many common causes of joint pain, ranging from injury (e.g., broken bones, dislocations and muscle sprains and strains) to arthritis (e.g., osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, etc.) to infectious and inflammatory diseases (e.g., autoimmune disease, bursitis, and tendonitis).
Improperly Working Joints When joints do not work properly, it can lead to a variety of problems. Primarily, when the joints do not work properly, the muscles and ligaments cannot function properly either. They will tend to either shorten or elongate, depending on the joint problem. When this occurs, they will leak chemical messengers that will irritate local tissues and nerves. This leads to further pain and dysfunction. It turns out to be a vicious cycle until the underlying joint problem is addressed.
Factors Affecting Joint Function The causes of joint problems fall under one of three main categories: mechanical, chemical, and/or mental. Macro trauma (big trauma) such as a car crash or bad fall and micro trauma (repetitive-use injury) are both mechanical factors that inhibit joint function. An example of a chemical factor would be making dietary choices that are inflammatory, which increases the likelihood that your joints will swell more easily and become susceptible to additional injuries. Mental factors become more apparent when people are under stress. Many times they will get headaches, back pain, neck pain, stomach pain, etc. Stress affects the hormones and chemicals in your body and can create an environment where healthy joint function is hard to maintain.
Chiropractors help primarily with the mechanical causes of joint pain and dysfunction; however, we are trained to deal with certain chemical and mental influences as well. Rather than a temporary solution with medication, or risky surgery, chiropractic treatment is the primary treatment that addresses the underlying cause of joint dysfunction. Normal ranges of motion are restored and inflammation reduced, allowing for soft tissue reactions to heal. After a thorough examination, occasionally, the chiropractor will find that this patient would be better served by another medical professional. If this is the case, East End Chiropractic will let you know promptly and will refer you to a professional that can provide you with the necessary treatment.