November 2024 Health Newsletter

As winter settles in and temperatures drop, many of us feel the effects of the colder weather on our bodies. For those living with arthritis, the change in season can bring increased discomfort—stiffness, joint pain, and inflammation. While arthritis affects people of all ages, it is particularly common in older adults, and with an aging population, managing joint health has become a growing concern. Fortunately, chiropractic care offers a safe, non-invasive way to alleviate some of the discomfort associated with arthritis, helping to reduce stiffness, improve mobility, and enhance overall quality of life during the colder months.

Arthritis is a general term for inflammation in the joints, and its symptoms often become more pronounced in cold weather. While the exact reason for this is not fully understood, several factors may contribute:

• Cold temperatures can cause muscles and tissues to tighten, which can exacerbate pain and stiffness in affected joints.
• Barometric pressure changes (the changes in air pressure that occur with weather fronts) may also affect the joints, leading to increased inflammation and discomfort.
• Reduced activity in winter, due to both colder temperatures and shorter days, can also contribute to joint stiffness. Lack of movement means joints are not being lubricated as effectively, which can lead to increased pain.

This makes winter an especially difficult time for those living with arthritis. But there’s good news: chiropractic care can help.

Chiropractic care focuses on the alignment of the spine and the musculoskeletal system, including joints, muscles, and tissues. By improving the function of the nervous system, chiropractic adjustments can help the body heal itself more effectively. Here’s how chiropractic treatments can help with arthritis pain, especially in the winter months:

1. Spinal Adjustments for Pain Relief: Chiropractic spinal adjustments—also known as spinal manipulations—are designed to restore proper alignment to the spine and other joints in the body. Misalignments or subluxations can interfere with nerve function, which in turn can lead to muscle tightness, inflammation, and pain. By restoring spinal alignment, chiropractors can reduce nerve interference and improve joint function.For those with arthritis, spinal adjustments can help alleviate pressure on joints and reduce inflammation, particularly in the neck, lower back, and hips, which are common areas for arthritic pain. By enhancing joint mobility and decreasing muscle tension, chiropractic adjustments can provide relief from both the acute and chronic symptoms of arthritis.

2. Soft Tissue Therapy and Myofascial Release: In addition to spinal adjustments, chiropractors often use soft tissue therapies, such as myofascial release, to target tight muscles and connective tissues around the joints. This technique involves applying gentle pressure to the fascia (the connective tissue surrounding muscles) to release tension and reduce pain. Soft tissue therapy can be particularly effective for those with arthritis, as it helps improve circulation, reduce muscle spasms, and relieve the stiffness that often accompanies colder weather.For individuals with arthritis, working on soft tissues around the joints can provide long-lasting relief by improving range of motion and enhancing flexibility. This is especially important in the winter when people are less likely to stay active, which can lead to further muscle and joint stiffness.

3. Joint Mobilization and Stretching: Joint mobilization techniques are another common tool used by chiropractors to help with arthritis. These techniques involve gentle movements applied to the joints to improve their range of motion and reduce pain. Chiropractors may also provide stretching exercises that help to lengthen tight muscles and improve flexibility.Stretching is key during the winter months, as cold weather can lead to muscle and joint stiffness, making it harder to move freely. Chiropractors can recommend specific stretches and exercises to target affected joints, such as the knees, hips, or wrists, to increase mobility and reduce discomfort.

4. Lifestyle and Ergonomic Recommendations: Chiropractors often offer advice on lifestyle modifications to help manage arthritis symptoms more effectively. This can include:

• Proper posture: Maintaining good posture can reduce strain on the joints, particularly in the spine, neck, and hips.
• Exercise recommendations: Low-impact exercises, such as swimming or walking, can help keep the joints mobile without overloading them.
• Heat and cold therapy: Applying heat can relax muscles, while cold compresses can reduce inflammation and numb pain, providing relief during colder months.

Additionally, chiropractors may advise on ergonomic adjustments to your home or workspace, ensuring that your posture and body mechanics are optimized to avoid unnecessary stress on the joints.

As more people seek alternatives to invasive treatments for arthritis, chiropractic care has become an increasingly popular option. This is especially true for individuals who want to avoid the side effects of long-term medication or those looking for a more holistic approach to managing joint pain.

Chiropractic care is drug-free, non-invasive, and tailored to each individual's needs. By addressing both the root causes of pain (such as misalignments and soft tissue tension) and providing lasting solutions through education and lifestyle recommendations, chiropractic care empowers patients to take control of their health and well-being—particularly during the challenging winter months.

If you’re finding that winter weather is making your arthritis symptoms worse, chiropractic care could be the solution you’ve been looking for. Whether through spinal adjustments, soft tissue therapy, joint mobilization, or lifestyle modifications, chiropractors offer a comprehensive approach to managing arthritis pain that doesn’t rely on medications or invasive procedures. By improving joint mobility, reducing stiffness, and enhancing overall function, chiropractic care can help you feel better and live more comfortably—no matter what the weather is like outside.

Chronic lower back pain is incredibly common. In fact, up to 50% of individuals may be affected by low back pain at some point, which has spurred the Global Burden of Disease Study to investigate worldwide impairment from this pain. A common type is known as "uncomplicated low back pain," which does not radiate to other areas of the body, and is not associated with damage to the spine or other structures. This pain can be debilitating and expensive, with the global costs estimated at $20 billion annually. Research suggests there may be therapies to lessen both the costs and discomfort of low back pain. The Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics published a study that revealed chiropractic treatments significantly lowered costs for patients with low back pain. The researchers found that patients treated by a both a DC (Doctor of Chiropractic) and an MD spent hundreds of dollars less than back patients treated exclusively by an MD, or even an MD and a physical therapist. These findings show the potential for chiropractic treatment to improve uncomplicated lower back pain in a way that is cost-effective and sustainable.

After a sports-related injury, high school and college students can have trouble returning to their studies. But research from the American Journal of Public Health reveals that concussed students are particularly at-risk. The researchers found that students with extremity injuries had more trouble in school than uninjured students, and concussed students performed even worse. One component of the study was a questionnaire which ranked academic dysfunction on a scale from 0 to 174. One week after injury, the average score for non-concussed students was 48, while that of concussed students was 68. These numbers stabilized after approximately one month, except for students with a history of multiple concussions. Sports injuries in students highlight the importance of proper protection and injury prevention for both academic performance and overall well-being. Student athletes should always consult with healthcare providers to help ensure effective protection and prevention against injury. Many DCs (Doctors of Chiropractic) are experts in providing sports physicals and assistance in equipping athletes with the best possible protection. DCs can also treat soft-tissue injuries from sports-related activities, minimizing recovery time and post-injury stress, and are a valuable member of a student athlete's healthcare team.