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The exact cause of rheumatoid arthritis is unknown.
However, some studies claim that age, genes, and environmental factors affect your risk of getting this disease.
Medline defines rheumatoid arthritis as…
Defined
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a form of arthritis that causes pain, swelling, stiffness, and loss of function in your joints. It can affect any joint but is common in the wrist and fingers.
This blog will discuss what chiropractic patients want to know about rheumatoid arthritis.
If you do not know if you have rheumatoid arthritis, you should first consult a doctor.
The Smart Chiropractor's Guide to Converting More New Patients From Your Website
Rheumatoid arthritis can significantly impact your everyday life and potentially lead to joint irregularities if left untreated by a medical professional.
In fact, researchers have discovered that obese people with this illness often have an increased risk of heart disease.
Evaluation and Diagnosis
Your doctor may employ various tests to make a diagnosis such as a physical examination. Your doctor may request you also get certain laboratory tests or x-rays.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition that can cause swelling of the wrist, knee, and hand joints.
You can imagine how difficult it could be working at your computer all day while experiencing RA pain in your hands and wrists.
The good news?
Adding a chiropractor to your wellness team can help you successfully manage your RA.
"I attribute my growth to what I'm doing with The Smart Chiropractor."
Dr. Mike Mills, DC
Mills Chiropractic
Here’s what you need to know if you’re a chiropractic patient with rheumatoid arthritis or you’re an RA patient considering seeing a chiropractor.
Use of Medications for Rheumatoid Arthritis
When it comes to RA, medications can be helpful, but they do come with risks.
Know This
Medications prescribed for the care of rheumatoid arthritis do not cure the condition. The primary aim of these medications is to reduce your pain and swelling and slow the progression of your RA.
Let’s look at one commonly prescribed rheumatoid arthritis medication: Xeljanz.
According to studies, this Pfizer medication contributes to added risk for side effects that include blood clots and liver damage.
The FDA has said, “Those taking Xeljanz/Xeljanz XR, Olumiant, or Rinvoq should tell your health care professional if you are a current or past smoker, or have had a heart attack, other heart problems, stroke, or blood clots in the past as these may put you at higher risk of severe problems with the medicines.”
It’s essential to weigh out all options when deciding your best treatment plan.
Use of Chiropractic Care for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Chiropractic care for people with rheumatoid arthritis can also be effective.
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While chiropractors don’t directly treat rheumatoid arthritis, your chiropractor can work with you to help reduce inflammation and improve your mobility.
Chiropractic Care Can Help Ease Pain and Inflammation Naturally
Chiropractic care can help you enjoy your life and continue to do what you love without the fear of RA pain.
If you’ve been living with RA, you may have skipped a few projects just so you wouldn’t have to deal with a probable symptom flare up.
You may worry about how your painful joints might impact your productivity at work.
Chiropractic can help restore your confidence to perform day to day tasks with less fear of pain.
And chiropractors often go beyond the adjustment to guide patients on lifestyle changes that can also help.
Chiropractors understand that key lifestyle changes can reinforce the benefits of your care.
For example, specific at-home exercises and movements can help improve mobility.
Daily movement and exercise are critical to your body’s healing and overall wellness.
You can think of movement as the balance between strength and flexibility.
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For joints affected by rheumatoid arthritis, restoring a full range of motion near the primary affected joint can help “lighten the load” on those joints and improve your functional ability.
It’s critical to take small steps every day to address your pain and symptoms proactively.
That’s why chiropractors may also make dietary recommendations with the aim of helping to reduce chronic inflammation and the severity or frequency of pain.
Carefully selecting the food you eat and defining your daily wellness habits can make a big difference in your symptom management.
Chiropractic Care Focuses on Non-Invasive Treatment Options
Perhaps one of the biggest benefits of brining in a chiropractor as a part of your care team is that their care is non-invasive.
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Chiropractors don’t use injections, drugs, or surgery to help patients find relief.
Instead, they focus on working with the body’s joints to help improve your biomechanics and nervous system integrity overall.
Gentle adjustments to the joints of your body can improve the range of motion and reduce pain.
When it comes to rheumatoid arthritis, it’s essential to know when and when not to adjust.
Chiropractors are trained in various adjusting techniques to ensure that every patient is provided care based on their specific goals and health history.
It’s a Smart Idea to Explore Chiropractic Care for the Management of Your RA Symptoms
Pairing a healthy lifestyle with chiropractic treatment gives you an excellent opportunity to manage the discomfort and pain from rheumatoid arthritis.
To be clear, chiropractors don’t “cure” or directly treat rheumatoid arthritis.
But, a great chiropractor near you can help aid your journey toward relief!
Many people find that chiropractic care can help manage their symptoms.
Chiropractors can help restore motion and reduce inflammation. They can also provide lifestyle recommendations that could make a big difference in your ability to feel and function at your highest possible level—yes, even with rheumatoid arthritis!