Chiropractic for Joint Pain

Joints are where one bone connects with another. They are the space between that allow for proper movement and function. Our body has many different types of joints, from those that barely move at all (like the sutures in your skull) to synovial joints that move in many different directions (like your shoulder joints, ankle joint, hip joint, spinal facet joints, etc.). We know that when the joints move properly, your muscles and ligaments function at an optimal level. This affords you proper function and no pain. However, when joints do not work properly, this leads to a whole host of problems. Primarily, when the joints do not work properly, the muscles and ligaments cannot function properly either. They will tend to either shorten or elongate, depending on the joint problem. When this occurs, they leak toxins that irritate local tissues and nerves. This leads to further pain and dysfunction that compounds until the underlying issue is resolved.

What causes joints not to work properly?
There are basically three factors.  One is a mechanical.  Macro trauma (big trauma) such as a car crash or bad fall and micro trauma (repetitive use injury) certainly lead to joint damage.  Another factor is chemical.  If your diet is inflammatory, you will be more likely to swell easily and be susceptible to more injury. The third factor that affects joint function is mental.  This is apparent when people are under stress.  Many times they will get headaches, back pain, neck pain, stomach pain, etc. Stress affects the hormones and chemicals in your body and can create an environment where healthy joint function is hard to maintain.

Many joint injuries can be fixed naturally, without surgery.

Chiropractors correct the underlying cause of joint dysfunction so that the body can restore normal ranges of motion in the region that allows for the compensatory soft tissue reactions to heal. It is through this manner that chiropractors are best suited to deal with joint pain and dysfunction.