3 Ways To Treat Arthritis Naturally

Arthritis can feel debilitating some days. Between the pain, inflammation, and joint stiffness, it can be hard to partake in some of your favorite activities. Although there are medications available to help treat arthritis, steroids can have uncomfortable side effects. If you're interested in treating your arthritis naturally, these three tips can help you learn how.

1. Use a topical analgesic

Unlike oral pain medications, a topical analgesic stays right where you put it rather than becoming absorbed into your bloodstream. Most analgesics work by slightly irritating your skin with menthol or camphor. According to Very Well Health, this minor irritation can confuse your brain's pain receptors. Your brain gets preoccupied interpreting the sensations from the topical ointment, and you, therefore, experience less discomfort from your arthritic joints.

2. Visit a chiropractor

If your arthritis manifests as pain in your back, then a chiropractor is the person you need to see. By readjusting your spine, your chiropractor can loosen tense muscles and release pinched nerves. Sometimes chronic pain, such as the kind caused by arthritis, can make you start to hold your muscles tense, which in turn leads to more pain. Spinal adjustments are great for treating osteoarthritis, but they may be less useful for people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. If you have autoimmune arthritis with a lot of swelling present, ask your chiropractor if you're a good candidate for ultrasound therapy.

3. Exercise regularly

Although it might seem counterintuitive to exercise when you're in pain, regular exercise can actually reduce the symptoms of arthritis. Arthritis can make your joints feel stiff, but if you avoid activity, it can become a self-perpetuating cycle. Disuse will make your joints feel even stiffer, and the resultant muscle weakness will only exacerbate the condition. If you're in a lot of pain, try doing gentle exercises such as yoga or water aerobics. Doing calisthenics in water is particularly good for people suffering from arthritis since being submerged takes a lot of pressure off your joints.

If you have arthritis, you can still do all the activities you love. You don't have to give up your favorite sports, and you can still live an active and full life. You just need to take good care of your body. These natural remedies can help you reduce your pain levels and decrease inflammation. Don't be afraid to invest in chiropractic treatment for your arthritis. Chiropractic care is part of a balanced, arthritis-fighting regimen.

For more information, contact a medical office like Advanced Wholistic Healthcare today.