What Are Stiff Joints?
Stiff joints are essentially just joints that do not seem to have a good or normal range of motion. You may even feel some discomfort or pain when you try to move certain joints, such as your knees or your shoulders. For some individuals, the stiffness will go away with movement or rest, depending on the underlying cause. However, joint stiffness can also be a more lasting issue that never seems to fully subside. In either case, it is important to see either a doctor or a chiropractor to obtain a proper diagnosis of the problem.
Common Causes of Joint Stiffness
Even though joint stiffness is often blamed purely on aging, the problem can have a lot of other underlying causes. Underlying causes can range from those that are relatively common and easy to treat to those issues that can be more complex and require more attention. A few examples include:
- Arthritis – Arthritis is a form of inflammation that affects the joints. There are actually over 100 unique types of arthritis, each with its own underlying symptoms and related causes.
- Bursitis – Joints are surrounded by soft tissue and, of course, made up of bones. Bursae are small sacs that fill with fluid to protect and cushion the joints. These fluid-filled sacs can become inflamed and cause a great deal of joint pain.
- Gout – Gout is actually a form of arthritis, but it is more complex than general arthritis and not as readily recognized or understood. Gout is most often characterized by sudden pain and/or stiffness in the joints.
- Lupus – Lupus is an autoimmune disease that can cause higher levels of inflammation throughout your body, including in your joints. Joint pain is actually one of the most common symptoms of lupus.
Lifestyle Factors Related to Joint Stiffness in Boca Raton, FL
Lifestyle factors can also have a big part to play in problems with stiff joints, even though these factors are easily overlooked. For example, someone who has a higher body weight can have problems with stiff joints because of the excessive and undue stress on their joints. In particular, being overweight can be especially hard on the joints in the lower parts of your body, such as your hips and knees.Diet can affect your joints as well; something as simple as eating a high-sodium or high-sugar diet can encourage inflammation around the joints, which makes them feel stiff or sore. Some individuals can see a drastic improvement in joint issues by eating a better-balanced diet and limiting problematic ingredients. Another lifestyle factor that can create issues with joint stiffness in Boca Raton is not getting enough exercise or simply leading a more sedentary lifestyle. The more you are up and moving, the stronger the joints are and the more natural lubrication to keep joints moving freely is produced.
How a Chiropractor Can Help with Stiff Joints and Joint Pain
Chiropractic care for joint stiffness in Boca Raton, FL is actually more common than most people think. Chiropractors specialize in helping with ailments that plague the musculoskeletal system, and joint stiffness just happens to be one of them. Whether you are dealing with stiffness due to spinal alignment issues, inflammation, or nervous system problems, certain chiropractic care may help alleviate the discomfort you feel.The practitioner can examine your symptoms, assess what could be causing the problem, and then help to relieve your issues to restore your range of motion. A few ways a chiropractor may help you with joint stiffness include:
- By aligning your spinal column to help take undue stress off of affected joints
- By doing specific joint-related adjustments to help relieve some of the internal pressure from the joints
- By making sure nerves stemming from your spine are not leading to joint-related issues
- By advising you about specific lifestyle factors that could be related to the problem
Chiropractors take a more homeopathic or natural approach to help relieve joint stiffness instead of simply attempting to mask the symptoms with prescription medications. The end goal is always to get you to a point where you are feeling less pain and discomfort and are able to move more freely. Of course, initial assessments of your joint stiffness are always done before creating a plan of treatment. At Shadowood Chiropractic Center, we take a highly individualized approach to care to ensure your issues are carefully assessed and addressed.
Consider Chiropractic Treatment for Joint Stiffness in Boca Raton, FL
Joint stiffness, to some degree, is almost an inevitable thing as we age. However, there is no reason to deal with stiffness and joint pain any more than what is necessary when there are solutions for relief. Chiropractors may be primarily known as the “back doctor,” but these health professionals have so much more to offer. If you are ready to find out if the chiropractor can help you with joint pain and stiffness to enhance your mobility and put a bit more spring in your step, we’re here to help. Reach out to us at the Shadowood Chiropractic Center so we can discuss relief for joint stiffness in Boca Raton, FL.
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