Joint Pain

Joint Pain Q&A

​​​​​​​What is joint pain?

Osteoarthritis associated joint pain is the most common cause of chronic pain and disability worldwide, and usually affects adults and people of older age. The joint is nestled where two bones meet, an area that is made up of ligaments, cartilage, muscles, and tendons. When these components become inflamed the body responds in complex ways which ultimately cause joint pain. Research has indicated there are various chemicals in the body that participate in signaling the brain to experience joint pain. Despite the complexity of joint pain, chiropractic care, with its full-body approach to alignment and overall wellness, seems to be the answer. Joint pain may be constant or come and go, and is usually felt in the hands, feet, hips, knees, or spine. Symptoms vary from patient to patient, who most often experience stiffness, throbbing, a “grating” sensation, or a burning / throbbing sensation. Joint stiffness can feel worse in the morning and may loosen up with movement and activity. However, some activity can make symptoms worse.

What are the symptoms of joint pain?

There are over 100 types of arthritis, which is the most common cause of Joint pain. With there being so many different causes of joint pain, symptoms may vary.

Some common symptoms of joit pain may include:

• Difficulty moving the joint
• Pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joint
• Warmth and redness around the joint
• Fatigue
• Loss of range of motion

What are the causes of joint pain?

The causes of joint pain can vary, but some of the most common causes and conditions include:

• Injury: Joint pain can be caused by an injury, such as a sprain, strain, fracture, or trauma
• Infection: Joint pain can be caused by a bacterial or viral infection.
• Being overweight or obese
• Other medical conditions
• Overuse

What are some conditions associated with joint pain?

There are many conditions that can be associated with joint pain, including:

• Arthritis: Arthritis causes inflammation of the joints. There are over 100 types of arthritis, but the most common is osteoarthritis.
• Gout: Gout is a condition that causes the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints. This can lead to sudden, severe joint pain.
• Lupus: Lupus and other autoimmune diseases can cause joints pain.
• Rheumatoid arthritis: This autoimmune disease causes inflammation of the joints.
• Bursitis: Bursitis causes inflammation of the bursae, which are meant to cushion the joints.
• Tendonitis: Tendonitis causes inflammation of the tendons, which are the tissues that connect muscles to bones.

What are holistic treatment options for joint pain?

The treatment for joint pain depends on the cause. However, some common treatments include:

• Rest: Resting can reduce inflammation and pain in the joint.
• Ice: Applying ice can help to reduce inflammation and pain in the joint.
• Heat: Applying heat can help to relax the muscles and improve circulation near the joint.
• Physical therapy: Physical therapy can help to improve range of motion and strength in the joint.
• Chiropractic Care

What are the complications of joint pain?

If joint paint goes unaddressed it can lead to many other problems. The complications of joint pain can vary depending on the cause.

Some possible complications of joint pain include:

• Chronic pain: Joint pain can become chronic if it lasts more than 3 months.
• Loss of function: Joint pain can sometimes lead to loss of function in the joint, reducing mobility and range of motion.
• Infection: If the joint is injured or inflamed, joint pain may lead to infection.

What are some ways to prevent joint pain?

There are some things you can do to help prevent joint pain, such as:

• Maintain a healthy weight
• Exercise
• Stretching
• Avoid activities that put too much stress on your joints
• Wear supportive shoes or custom orthotics

What are specific chiropractic adjustments used to treat joint Pain?

At Indian Harbor Chiropractic we know that misalignments of the spine, or vertebral subluxations, can contribute to joint pain. Chiropractic manipulations of the spine during adjustments can restore movement to the joints or parts of the spine that have an alignment issue. We use a variety of techniques to adjust the spine and improve alignment including:

Chiropractic adjustments

Chiropractic adjustments can realign your spine or other parts of the body, reduce tension, and alleviate discomfort due to joint pain symptoms.

Flexion-distraction adjustments

A special segmented table is used so that spinal manipulations, combined with the movements of the table, stretch and decompress your spine.

Spinal manipulation therapy (SMT)

Spinal manipulation is accomplished through high-velocity, low-amplitude (HVLA) adjustments. This is a technique where Dr. Gailes will apply a controlled thrust to a joint of the spine. This motion moves the joint more than it would on its own. SMT is actually a collection of techniques which include massage or mobilization of soft tissue, adjustment of spinal subluxations, trigger point therapy, cross-friction massage, active release therapy, and mechanical traction on an area of the spine or on an extremity.

Activator techniques

These adjustments use a small, handheld instrument to deliver low-force impulses at specific points.

What are some other chiropractic treatments used to treat Joint pain?

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)

TENS sends electrical pulses through the skin to start your body's own painkillers. The electrical pulses can release endorphins and other substances to stop pain signals in the brain. TENS can reduce pain. Tens also works on muscles and causes muscle contractions by stimulating α-motor neurons. It is highly effective in improving muscle function, strengthening muscles, and improving joint range of motion.

Myofascial release

This technique uses gentle pressure to release tension in the muscles and fascia, relieving pain and improving range of motion.

Massage Therapy

Dr. Gailes may use massage therapy with a variety of techniques to manipulate the soft tissues of the body, including the muscles, tendons, and ligaments. This can help to reduce muscle tension, improve range of motion, and promote circulation.

Class IV Laser therapy

Dr. Gailes is currently the only chiropractor in Greenwich, CT offering Class IV Laser Therapy. Dr. Gailes uses chiropractic adjustments and laser therapy to treat a variety of musculoskeletal conditions and speed up recovery times for all types of injuries. Laser therapy will reduce pain by over 50% in three to four treatments and can complement chiropractic adjustments or be used as an independent form of treatment.

Begin with chiropractic care today

For complete joint pain relief call the Indian Harbor Chiropractic office or schedule an appointment online today.
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