Natural Ways to Alleviate Arthritis

Arthritis is a term that frightens many people who envision getting older with twisted limbs and a lack of mobility. Fortunately, one of the greatest myths surrounding arthritis is the idea that once you have it, you will just have to live with it. There are two types of arthritis, degenerative and inflammatory. Degenerative arthritis is the most common form and is general wear and tear on the bones and the muscles.

People who suffer from degenerative arthritis often assume that it is "just part of getting older" and that nothing can alleviate the symptoms. However, a series of chiropractic treatments could help people recover movement and feel less pain associated with degenerative arthritis.

Arthritis occurs when there is either a lack of mobility or excessive mobility within a joint, causing a breakdown of the cartilage. When the cartilage breaks down, it can no longer protect the sensitive bone tissue, causing stress and degenerative changes in the joint. Often a mis-alignment in the spine may cause this or a history of trauma to the area, such as increased use to occupational requirements.

While pain and immobility can cause people suffering from degenerative arthritis to feel like they are missing out on life, it doesn't have to be this way. The following four natural therapies will help to improve your mobility and feel less pain associated with the arthritis.

1 - Chiropractic Adjustments

Chiropractors have been successfully treating arthritis for more than 100 years. Clinical studies prove that regular chiropractic adjustments correct the misalignments in the spine that lead to arthritis. The gentle adjustments help to restore mobility and function to the spinal joints. Regular visits to a chiropractor will help you to prevent further degeneration and will aid mobility to joints already affected by arthritis.

2 - Exercise

Moving arthritic joints is highly beneficial, assuming you do not feel excessive pain. Water workouts such as aqua aerobics or swimming can help you to move while the water takes the pressure of your body weight. Other exercises, such as walking, or low impact aerobics such as yoga and pilates may be helpful.

3- Diet

Eat a diet high in fruits and vegetables. These products include natural vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that are essential for the health of your joints (as well as being beneficial to the rest of your body).

4 - Glucosamine

Recent clinical studies have shown that long-term use of glucosamine supplements can assist with arthritic symptoms and will help to rebuilt joint cartilage.

Using these four therapies in conjunction with each other can alleviate most of the pain associated with degenerative arthritis. The combination of the therapies will prevent further cartilage breakdown and joint wear and tear and therefore will prevent further degeneration of the bones.

You do not need to suffer from the pain and immobility of degenerative arthritis. Use these natural therapies to gain mobility and enjoy your life again.