JOINT AND MUSCLE PAIN

Pain is an extremely prevalent symptom. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), joint pain affects 25% of people.

Think about that for a second. One in every four individuals experiences pain on a regular basis due to a single condition. If we account for all the disorders that cause pain, the numbers will just be terrifying!

This is why healthcare professionals are always looking for ways to relieve pain without having to prescribe pharmacological drugs.

On this page, we will list common causes of joint and muscle pain, as well as some associated symptoms. After that, we will review scientific research regarding the role of chiropractic care in the management of joint and muscle pain.

What are the common causes of joint and muscle pain?

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that results from the breakdown of cartilage in the articulations. It is a common cause of joint pain, particularly in older adults. Studies showed that risk factors for osteoarthritis include age, obesity, and previous joint injury.

One study found that obesity significantly increases the risk of developing knee osteoarthritis. Another study revealed that recurrent joint injuries can potentially lead to osteoarthritis.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation in the joints and surrounding tissues. This can cause joint pain, stiffness, and loss of function.

As for the risk factors of rheumatoid arthritis, they include genetics, smoking, and certain environmental agents. According to a systematic review and meta-analysis, smoking is a leading risk factor for rheumatoid arthritis.

Low back pain

Low back pain is a classic symptom of muscle strain. This condition results from a variety of factors, including injury, poor posture, and certain medical conditions. Researchers concluded that people with sedentary jobs or those who engage in heavy lifting are at a higher risk of developing low back pain.

Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain disorder that affects the muscles and soft tissues. Symptoms of this condition include widespread pain, tenderness, and fatigue.

The causes of fibromyalgia are still unclear. However, the following factors may increase your risk:

• Physical trauma
• Emotional stress
• Genetic predisposition

Tendinitis

Tendinitis refers to the inflammation of a tendon. The latter is a fibrous tissue that connects muscle to bone. Patients with this condition complain of pain, stiffness, and weakness in the affected joint.

People who engage in repetitive motions are particularly susceptible to tendinitis.

Sports injuries

Sports injuries are a common cause of joint and muscle pain. These range from sprains and strains to fractures and dislocations.

The leading causes of sports injuries are poor training techniques, insufficient warm-up and cool-down, and the lack of proper equipment.

What are the other symptoms that accompany joint and muscle pain?

Aside from pain, there are many other symptoms that could accompany joint and muscle disease. Some of these symptoms include:

Stiffness – Joint stiffness is a common symptom of joint and muscle pain. This is more prevalent in the morning or after sitting or lying down for long periods

Swelling – Swelling in the affected joint or muscle can be an associated symptom.

Redness – Redness of the skin over the affected joint or muscle indicates that blood vessels are expanding at the site of injury.

Warmth – The affected joint or muscle may feel warm to the touch.

Weakness – Weakness in the affected joint or muscle can be a symptom of a neurological problem.

Tenderness – When examining the joint or muscle, your chiropractor may notice that the affected structure is tender to the touch.

Limited range of motion – Joint pain may also be accompanied by a limited range of motion.

Fatigue – Fatigue is a symptom that we often find with pain, especially when dealing with fibromyalgia.

Sleep disturbance – Chronic pain can cause sleep disturbance, leading to insomnia or difficulty falling asleep.

Mood changes – Living with chronic pain can cause depression and anxiety.

How can chiropractors help you with your joint and muscle pain (Evidence-based)

Chiropractic care is very effective in the management of joint and muscle pain. A study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found that chiropractic adjustments resulted in a significant reduction in pain. It also helped patients who had low back pain.

Another study proved that spinal manipulation is more effective than medication in treating acute low back pain.

The same goes for other conditions that affect joints and muscles. For instance, a meta-analysis reviewed a number of studies that inspected spinal manipulation in the management of neck pain. The results of this review demonstrated that chiropractic care is extremely beneficial for these cases.

When it comes to knee osteoarthritis, a study concluded that spinal manipulation was effective in reducing pain and improving function in affected patients. What’s more, a systematic review and meta-analysis showed that manual therapy, including spinal manipulation, was effective in reducing pain and improving function in patients with hip and knee osteoarthritis.

Finally, the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine published a study that analyzed the effects of chiropractic care on chronic musculoskeletal disorders, such as fibromyalgia and chronic pain.

All of these studies prove without a doubt that chiropractic care is extremely effective in the management of joint and muscle pain. The best part is that you do not have to deal with the side effects of pharmacological drugs.

Takeaway message

Chronic pain can be devastating for one’s quality of life. Suffering constantly from physical pain will hinder your day-to-day activities and negatively impact your mental well-being. This is why you need the help of a professional chiropractor to benefit from nonpharmacological treatments that carry little to no side effects.

We hope that this article managed to highlight the crucial role of chiropractic care in the management of joint and muscle pain as well as in helping patients recover without long-lasting complications.

If you have any questions, concerns, or personal experiences about chiropractic care for pain, please feel free to share your thoughts using our contact us page!