If you're one of the millions of people who suffer from arthritis or chronic joint pain, you’re familiar with the pain that accompanies everyday activities. Many people turn to prescription medications in an attempt to find relief from arthritis pain, but these drugs often come with unwanted side effects. An integrative medicine approach uses a combination of conventional treatments and holistic remedies to provide relief for arthritis symptoms.
At CentreSpringMD, integrative physicians will work with you to reduce inflammation which is at the root of arthritis pain. Diet and lifestyle therapies, acupuncture, and targeted nutrition supplementation can restore joint function and alleviate arthritis symptoms, with or without the help of prescription medication.
If you’re concerned about developing arthritis, or are already experiencing joint pain, CentreSpringMD can help.
There are various types of arthritis, but they belong to one of two categories:
Osteoarthritis (OA)
Caused by: Physical wear and tear on a joint over time (or sometimes as a result of an injury)
Risk factors:
• Joint injury and repetitive use
• Being a woman over the age of 45
• Having a family member with OA
• Muscle weakness and/or low bone density
generally seen in:
• Those over age 50
• Occurs most often in knees, hips, hands, big toes, the lower back, and neck. Although there is no cure, symptoms can be managed.
Inflammatory Arthritis (IA)
Caused by: A chronic autoimmune disease in which your immune system mistakes your own tissues as harmful invaders and attacks them. The result is inflammation of the tissues in and around joints.
Risk factors:
• Age
• Obesity
• Having 1 or more autoimmune diseases
• Smoking
types of inflammatory arthritis include:
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Ankylosing spondylitis
• Gout
• Lyme disease
• Lupus
• Psoriatic arthritis
Generally seen in:
• People as young as 20 or 30
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most prevalent form of arthritis and the most common joint disorder in the United States, affecting some 30.8 million American adults—that’s nearly one in every 10 adults. This number is only expected to increase as the population ages and more individuals struggle with obesity.
Discuss your personal risk factors and develop an individualized treatment plan with a qualified integrative physician.
Inflammation, Joint Pain, and Arthritis
All types of arthritis are degenerative conditions that cause joint damage, pain, and greatly affect quality of life. They affect 1 in 4 adults in the U.S., and most arthritis treatment options rely heavily on anti-inflammatory medications to reduce joint pain.
However, conventional treatments for arthritis do little to target the underlying causes of joint pain. Joint pain is worsened by inflammation that starts in other areas of the body. In the case of inflammatory arthritis, immune dysregulation triggers an inflammatory response and the immune system attacks connective tissue.
For all types of arthritis pain, lifestyle, stress, and diet have a significant impact, and conventional treatments like surgery may not always be the best option to fight inflammation.
To begin your integrative treatment for arthritis, contact us today — virtual appointments are available!Integrative Treatment for Arthritis & Chronic Joint Pain
Integrative medicine is a good option for arthritis treatment. Your treatment plan will always be tailored to your individual needs as a patient. Integrative medicine approaches arthritis pain management using a combination of conventional Western medical treatments and alternative treatments.
We go above and beyond the prescription of NSAIDs and other pain-relieving medications to address the inflammation and tissue damage which cause arthritis symptoms. Though osteoarthritis and immune-driven rheumatoid arthritis differ in their root causes, all conditions that cause joint pain may benefit from:
Anti-inflammatory diet and lifestyle modifications
Physical therapy
Acupuncture
Massage therapy
Tai chi or yoga
Specific nutritional supplementation
Optimization of antioxidants such as glutathione
Mindfulness, biofeedback, and relaxation training
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Supporting Services for Arthritis & Joint Health
Acupuncture
Studies show patients with arthritis are likely to benefit from acupuncture. Acupuncture releases neurotransmitters called endorphins and enkephalins, which scientists believe reduce the sensation of pain. Research also shows that inserting an acupuncture needle induces the production of cortisol, a hormone that helps control inflammation. Acupuncture may stimulate activity of other pain-relieving chemicals in the body as well, improving:
- Joint pain
- Stiffness
- Mobility
- Discomfort while walking
Our treatments are exquisitely designed to bring clinical relief while providing you the opportunity to relax and refresh your body and mind.
IV Therapy
Optimize nutrients important for reducing system inflammation, such as vitamin C and glutathione. Glutathione is the body’s most powerful antioxidant, and may help reduce inflammatory markers associated with rheumatoid arthritis.
Benefits of IV therapy also include:
Optimal absorption of vitamins and minerals
Enhanced immune system support
Increased energy production
Improved appearance of hair and skin
Fertility support
Migraine and headache relief
