There are nearly 54 million Americans living with some form of doctor-diagnosed arthritis, according to the Arthritis Foundation. Having the disease doesn’t mean you have to suffer because of it. There are effective treatments available, including medications, physical therapy, chiropractic treatments, surgery, lifestyle and home remedies, and alternative methods such as acupuncture and yoga.

The trick is to find which treatment, or combination of treatments, works best for you.

The Effects of Arthritis

All of us experience occasional aches and pains, especially as we age. But persistent stiffness and joint pain may be signs of arthritis. How can you tell if your discomfort results from arthritis or something else?

The first step is to recognize common signs and symptoms for osteoarthritis, the most common form of the disease. These could include:

• Deep, aching pain in a joint
• Pain feels better with rest
• Pain may extend into buttocks, thighs or groin
• Joint pain impacts your posture and gait, and may cause limping
• Pain occurs after using the joint
• Joint swelling with limited motion
• Bones feel like they’re grating or catching on something when moving the joint
• Certain activities cause the pain, such as standing from a seated position or using the stairs
• Pain interferes with work, exercise and daily activities
• Pain gets worse with rainy weather
• Joints are stiff first thing in the morning but improve throughout the day
• Joint becomes stiff after resting

When experiencing pain, take note. It helps your doctor make an accurate diagnosis when you can give specific information about when the pain occurs, the severity of it, and the ways it’s impacting your life.

Limiting Pain and Restoring Function

Full range of motion and flexibility are things we take for granted, until something happens to decrease our ability to move easily and painlessly. If we suffer an injury or degenerative condition that causes pain, stiffness or swelling, our flexibility and range of motion in joints tends to spiral downward.

A chiropractor can use manipulations and spinal adjustments to realign bones and joints to reduce pain, improve range of motion, and increase flexibility, coordination and balance. Your chiropractor can recommend specific exercises for home to increase your strength and flexibility.

Regular chiropractic care can reduce or possibly eliminate the source of your joint pain and decreased flexibility.

Can a Chiropractor Help Me?

Most of the treatments chiropractors offer focus on the spine and back. The spinal column protects the central nervous system and keeps the whole body aligned properly and balanced. A misalignment of the spine or back may cause pain and mobility issues in other areas of your body.

Your local Phoenix chiropractor recognizes these misalignments and seeks to correct them. During your visit, Dr. Montoya may use manual manipulation techniques to bring your body back into its proper alignment. Adjusting the spine or other areas of the body can alleviate pain, increase flexibility and functionality, and assist the healing process.

Upper Cervical Chiropractic of Arizona Treats Arthritics

A simple internet search for “Phoenix chiropractor near me” will list practitioners in your area. In Phoenix, Arizona, Dr. Anthony Montoya is a trusted local expert. Contact Dr. Montoya when you’re ready to take control over your arthritis.