Rheumatoid arthritis is said to affect around 1.5 million individuals. It is recognized as an autoimmune condition that presents with chronic pain in the body’s joints. It commonly affects regularly used joints like the shoulders, hands, and feet. The condition can begin to present in individuals in their 30s. Concerns that come with a rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis are the condition’s effect on the spinal facet joints. These joints are susceptible to attack from a dysfunctional immune system, leaving them prone to weakness, inflammation, and nerve compression. Chiropractors understand the manifestation of rheumatoid arthritis. They can pinpoint at-risk facet joints and provide corrective relief before more dangerous symptoms begin to present.
Table of Contents
Facet joint risks
There are two facet joints that connect each vertebra to the one above and below. Their objective is to stabilize the spine, whether in a neutral position or engaged in flexion/extension movement. When targeted by the body’s immune system, the joints begin to weaken. The body attacks the synovial fluid that lubricates the joints. This creates friction that generates inflammation. Over time, the joints break down, leading to everything from loss of mobility to bone spurs. When left untreated, the facet joints begin to deteriorate, causing nerve compression that can lead to permanent nerve damage. When the joints are not working properly, the spine has to work around them.
- Subluxations
- Disc herniation
- Ruptured discs
- Sciatica all are possible with facet joint dysfunction.
Treatment
Currently, rheumatoid arthritis cannot be cured, but symptoms can go into remission when treatment begins early. Chiropractic is an effective treatment that disrupts the symptoms of joint deterioration and stops the progression.
- It has the ability to increase and maintain an individual’s range of motion from a condition that causes loss of mobility.
- It helps to bring rapid pain relief and helps with postural improvements.
- It maintains positive spinal health and homeostasis.
- Prevents problems with compression and subluxations.
- Stretching and strengthening exercises are incorporated to preserve an individual’s spinal integrity.
- Diet and nutrition are also adjusted to mitigate the effects, helping with inflammation prevention.
The spinal focus
As rheumatoid arthritis affects the body’s joints, it is vital to protect the facet joints. These joints can experience degenerative damage that can cause long-term problems. Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic provides individuals with the tools necessary to combat rheumatoid arthritis that medications by themselves might not be able to.
Body Composition
Muscle Mass Fitness for Long-Term Health
Muscle building is not just for bodybuilders and athletes. Everyone benefits from building muscle for long-term health. Monitoring the changes in Lean Body Mass can be accomplished by having body composition measured. Body composition analysis can divide an individual’s weight into various components. These include:
- Fat Mass
- Lean Body Mass
- Basal Metabolic Rate will give a clearer picture of overall fitness and health.
Building Lean Body Mass is an investment for maintaining health long-term. The more Lean Body Mass that is built, the more is in storage/reserve when the body really needs it. Before adding protein shakes and resistance workouts to the daily regimen, a plan needs to be developed. The first step to building a healthy level of lean body mass is to measure how much there is with a body composition analysis.
References
Pope JE, Cheng J. Facet (Zygapophyseal) Intraarticular Joint Injections: Cervical, Lumbar, and Thoracic. Injections for Back Pain. 129-135. ClinicalKey.com. Accessed July 16, 2019.
Brummett CM, Cohen SP. Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Zygapophyseal (Facet) Joint Pain. 816-844. ClinicalKey.com. Accessed July 16, 2019.
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