Arthritis. If you have it, you are already feeling the dull ache of the swelling of your joints. It’s a pervasive pain, distracting and ever-present. Many Western doctors prescribe painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs, but natural treatments (that have no side effects) are always the best option when looking for first-line arthritis treatments.

What Kind of Arthritis?

There are two types of arthritis: osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Osteoarthritis typically affects the hips, knees, neck, lower back, or small joints of the hands caused by repeated overuse. The repeated use thins or wears away the cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones in the joints, causing the bones to rub against each other.

Rheumatoid arthritis typically affects joints in the fingers, thumbs, wrists, elbows, shoulders, knees, feet and ankles. An autoimmune disease is one in which the body releases enzymes that attack its own healthy tissues. In RA, these enzymes destroy the linings of joints.Rheumatoid arthritis is usually accompanied by several systemic symptoms including weariness, fever, weight fluctuations (usually loss), eye problems related to inflammation, anemia, bumps just under the skin or lung inflammation.

Rheumatoid arthritis requires extensive treatment, but osteoarthritis can be managed easily with two natural treatments, both of which have no negative side effects: acupuncture and chiropractic adjustments.

Acupuncture and Arthritis

While acupuncture has been used to treat arthritis for centuries in Asia, it has only recently been adopted in the West. A recent landmark study backing the use of acupuncture for arthritis pain from the National Center of Complementary and Integrative Health, a branch of the NIH, concluded that acupuncture for osteoarthritis reduces pain and improves function, solidifying Western scientific support for acupuncture for arthritis.

Chiropractic Adjustments and Arthritis

Likewise, chiropractic adjustments are effective for osteoarthritis. A good chiropractor knows how to perform adjustments that maximize the function of your joints and relieve pressure. If your skeletal system is not properly aligned, excess pressure builds up, aggravating already sensitive joints affected by arthritis.

Looking for a Huntersville Doctor that Understands Arthritis?

If you’re searching for natural ways to treat your arthritis in Huntersville, especially osteoarthritis, make an appointment to have Dr. Doyle evaluate your condition. Dr. Doyle takes the time to carefully consider all factors affecting your arthritis, crafting a comprehensive treatment program using all natural methodologies such as acupuncture and chiropractic adjustments.

Concerned about insurance coverage? Dr. Doyle takes most insurance, including Medicare. Call or stop by today to see what a holistic doctor can do for your arthritis.