If you live with arthritis, you know what a challenge it can be to find relief from joint pain and other symptoms. But there are many things you can do to manage and control your arthritis and live a healthy, active life. Gonstead Chiropractic can be powerful additions to any treatment plan, without causing harmful side effects.

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Arthritis according to Western Medicine

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common type of arthritis, affecting more than 21 million Americans. It occurs when the cartilage between the joints breaks down, usually affecting the hips, hands, knees, low back, or neck.

Some factors can increase your risk, including a joint injury, being overweight, aging, and genetics. Putting stress on a joint through repetitive motion can also increase your risk.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is another common type, affecting 2.1 million people in the United States. This chronic condition occurs when the lining of the joints becomes inflamed, and can lead to long-term joint damage and even loss of movement. Women are two to three times more likely to get RA.

RA often starts in the hands or feet, and usually affects the same joints on both sides of the body. Symptoms include:

• Warm, swollen or tender joints

• Joint stiffness, especially in the morning

• Fatigue

• Flu-like symptoms such as fever

• Muscle pain and weakness

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Treatment options

Gonstead Chiropractic can be especially beneficial for people with arthritis because it focuses on precise, individualized care aimed at improving joint function and reducing stress on affected areas of the spine and extremities. Arthritis often leads to joint degeneration, inflammation, stiffness, and restricted movement, which can be worsened by misalignments in the spine or pelvis that alter biomechanics and increase uneven wear on joints. The Gonstead system uses thorough analysis—including posture evaluation, motion palpation, visualization, and imaging when appropriate—to identify specific areas of dysfunction rather than applying generalized adjustments. By correcting these misalignments with gentle, targeted adjustments, Gonstead care helps restore more normal joint motion, improve nervous system communication, and reduce mechanical irritation around arthritic joints. This can lead to decreased pain, improved mobility, better balance, and enhanced overall function, allowing many arthritis sufferers to move more comfortably and maintain a higher quality of life without relying solely on medication or invasive procedures.

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