Many people seek chiropractic care as an adjunctive treatment for various aches and pains, particularly back pain. Even though chiropractic therapy is not a medical treatment or cure, many individuals swear by its ability to enhance their well-being.
Several people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have found relief with chiropractic therapy. A chiropractor can assist with the symptoms, but there is no treatment for this joint issue.
Find out if chiropractic care is suggested for RA treatment, when it shouldn't be used, and where you may go if you need help locating a chiropractor.
Chiropractors: What Do They Do?
Chiropractic is a supplementary medical approach that uses hands-on therapy to alleviate musculoskeletal pain and suffering. Adjustments to the spine and joints are what chiropractors are most well-known for, and they can be helpful for a variety of conditions, including back and joint discomfort. Chiropractors can help those needing physical therapy and rehabilitation by adjusting their spines.
How Does Chiropractic Treatment Help Rheumatoid Arthritis?
To alleviate symptoms such as depression, fatigue, and chronic pain, RA patients are increasingly turning to complementary therapies.
To Lessen Inflammation
Inflammation in the body may be reduced by chiropractic therapy, which may assist with RA pain and discomfort. Chiropractic adjustments to the spine and other joints might help reduce inflammation and pain associated with RA and other inflammatory illnesses. These modifications may also reduce the generation of inflammatory proteins, which can accumulate in the immune system.
Reduce Joint Pain
According to the Arthritis Foundation, chiropractic therapy may help with arthritis by improving overall joint function by realigning the body's musculoskeletal system. Patients with osteoarthritis who went to the chiropractor twice weekly for six weeks reported more improvement in joint pain than those who did typical stretching or physical therapy.
The time it takes to feel better after starting chiropractic therapy can vary from patient to patient. On the other hand, the Arthritis Foundation reports that patients often feel better after 4–10 sessions when it works.
In RA patients, chiropractic therapy can assist in figuring out if discomfort is from inflammation or compensatory motions. A case study published in 2015 found that chiropractic therapy had a moderate effect in reducing inflammatory pain. Nonetheless, the actual benefit came from attending to the participant's mechanical damage while making adjustments for her RA.
Is Chiropractic Safe For Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Joint manipulation by chiropractors has traditionally been frowned upon by organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO)Trusted Source because of the potential for causing further damage to the joints already compromised by RA. Yet, recent studies show that chiropractic therapy is helpful for persons with RA in chronic, rather than acute, inflammation.
See your rheumatologist or another RA expert if you have any apprehensions about beginning chiropractic treatment for your condition. They can advise you on which supplementary treatment option would be most beneficial.
How Can You Discover A Rheumatoid Arthritis Chiropractor?
Chiropractors are required to earn a doctor of chiropractic degree but do not need a medical degree. Achieving this level of post-secondary education typically takes around four years. They must pass the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners examination next.
Ask your primary care physician or rheumatoid arthritis specialist for a recommendation for a good chiropractor. They can suggest local chiropractors with experience in arthritis and inflammation care.
Checking a chiropractor's qualifications and reading reviews written by previous patients is also a smart idea before scheduling an appointment. Find a local chiropractor with the aid of the American Chiropractic Association's online directory or a list of licensed practitioners maintained by individual states.
Does Insurance Cover Rheumatoid Arthritis Chiropractic?
If you have active back pain, Medicare will pay for chiropractic adjustments to help you cope. The program does not cover maintenance or preventative spinal manipulations; however, care for correcting an existing condition is.
Medicare covers some chiropractic care. However, massage therapy and X-rays are not. Those seeking chiropractic care should inquire about the cost of any services offered or recommended by their chiropractor. Chiropractic services may or may not be covered at all by private health insurance policies.
Conclusion
Medication, counseling, and behavioral modifications are all necessary components of an effective treatment plan for rheumatoid arthritis. Research shows that alternative treatments like chiropractic therapy can assist those with RA by increasing their strength and flexibility and decreasing their overall inflammatory levels. See your rheumatologist or a RA expert for advice on whether or not chiropractic therapy is right for you and how it could affect your RA.
