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Arthritis and Acupuncture at Monmouth County Chiropractic Office Arthritis is a group of conditions involving inflammation in the joints of the body. The word ‘arthritis’ literally translates from the Greek for joint (arthro) and inflammation (itis). There are over one hundred different forms of arthritis, the most common of which is osteoarthritis (a degenerative joint disease). As the population ages, arthritis has easily become one of the most common health problems faced by Americans. According to the Centers for Disease Control, one out of three Americans is affected by some form of the disorder. The major symptom experienced by individuals with arthritis is pain, which is caused by inflammation around the joint. Other effects include swelling, joint stiffness, fatigue, fever, weight loss, insomnia, and the inability to use the affected joint (among many others). Aside from trauma, the most common causes of arthritis are aging, environment, heredity, and infection. Treatment for arthritis varies by specific type of condition, but usually includes some form of anti-inflammatory or pain medication. The most common classes of drugs prescribed for arthritis patients include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), analgesics, and corticosteroids. NSAIDs work by interfering with the inflammatory process. Over time, however, they can lead to serious kidney and liver damage. In fact, NSAIDs are one of the leading causes of death in this country. Analgesics suppress the pain mechanism without addressing the cause of pain. More often known as ‘painkillers,’ these medications leave arthritis sufferers vulnerable to addiction problems and other damaging side effects. Corticosteroids reduce inflammation while suppressing immune system activity and can contribute to a number of unpleasant and dangerous health issues (such as headache, puffiness or moon face, elevated blood sugar, sodium retention, etc.). Chinese Medicine and Arthritis Because arthritis is a disorder of inflammation, it is important to seek out treatments designed to reduce inflammation. It is also a smart idea to seek out drug free options before resorting to medical intervention. Acupuncture is a drug free, healthy approach to problems associated with inflammation. This type of care involves restoring balance to the body for better overall functioning. The acupuncture practiced at Monmouth Pain and Rehabilitation Center is based on the principles of Chinese medicine. Chinese medicine is centered on the concept of Qi, a life energy that flows throughout the body on pathways. Because arthritis is a painful, inflammatory condition, it is considered an interruption (or imbalance) of Qi. Acupuncture works by restoring balance to the body’s life energy. From a more traditional (western) medical perspective, acupuncture has shown to be successful in treating the symptoms of arthritis because it stimulates the brain to produce endorphins. Endorphins are natural painkillers that block the sensation of pain. In reducing pain and inflammation, acupuncture helps arthritic patients improve mobility. Monmouth Pain and Rehabilitation Center, Acupuncture, and Arthritis Despite being practiced for thousands of years in places like China and Japan, acupuncture has only recently been recognized in the Western world for its many health benefits. Because of this, not all practicing acupuncturists are necessarily qualified. It is important to know the credentials of your acupuncturist. Monmouth Pain and Rehabilitation Center makes this process easy for arthritis patients—our facility offers only New Jersey Certified Acupuncturists. Please visit our Red Bank office to learn more about how we can help with your arthritis symptoms. |
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