Most of the time, doctors often prescribe anti-inflammatory medications to treat arthritic conditions. Fortunately, natural remedies that are proven to manage arthritic conditions are now widely accessible. Recent studies are now questioning the effectiveness of taking painkillers in the long term.
Chiropractic care is one of the treatments known to help relieve arthritic symptoms. When done by skilled professionals, it’s a low-risk treatment that can help alleviate conditions such as:
- Muscle injuries
- Headaches
- Low back pain
- Neck pain
- Joint pain
Chiropractic treatment also helps address symptoms of specific types of arthritis, including psoriatic Arthritis (PsA). Here is some important information about psoriatic arthritis, natural options for PsA relief, and how chiropractic care helps people with PsA.
What Is Psoriatic Arthritis?
Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) is an autoimmune condition experienced by people with psoriasis. Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition characterized by scaly patches on the body such as the elbow, neck, and scalp.
PsA is the result of the immune system’s reaction to this disease. It triggers inflammation in the joints, which makes them stiff, swollen, and painful. There is still no established cure for psoriasis. However, there are accessible treatments to manage its symptoms, including PsA.
There are safe and effective complementary treatments PsA patients can incorporate with their lifestyle to help cope with psoriasis. One treatment that helps alleviate the effects of psoriasis is chiropractic therapy.
Natural Treatment for Psoriatic Arthritis
Aside from following the prescribed treatment plan to prevent disease progression of psoriasis, many are looking for additional ways to find relief from the inflammation, pain, and stiffness due to psoriatic arthritis.
Remember that natural and herbal remedies are not proven cures for PsA but are only “supplements” to help ease its symptoms. Here are some natural methods for PsA relief backed by reliable studies:
1. Eating Foods With Turmeric
Turmeric is a common spice used in Indian curries and teas. It is known to have substances that treat pain and inflammation, making it a natural treatment for psoriatic arthritis.
A 2016 clinical review found evidence that eating foods with turmeric and taking curcumin (an active ingredient of turmeric) supplements improves PsA symptoms like pain and stiffness.
2. Taking Fish Oil Supplements Daily
A 2018 study has proven the beneficial effect of fish oil supplements in treating joint tenderness and stiffness. Fish oil is also proven to help improve cardiovascular muscles and protect patients from heart diseases, making it an essential natural treatment for psoriatic arthritis patients prone to heart diseases.
3. Regular Exercise
Studies have shown that increasing muscle strength through active exercises using weights and resistance bands improves the functional ability of PsA patients. Doing this twice a week has many proven benefits, including:
- Reduced joint stiffness
- Reduced stress and tension
- Stronger bone structure
- Increased energy
- Weight loss
Low impact exercises such as swimming, yoga, pilates, and walking help support painful joints. Patients with PsA are also encouraged to do regular stretching before a workout to loosen up the tightness of joints and avoid injuries.
4. Acupuncture
There are studies on the effects of acupuncture on osteoarthritis, but none for PsA; however, acupuncture is proven to alleviate muscle and joint aches, which is significant in managing symptoms of PsA.
In acupuncture, professional acupuncturists insert thread-like needles into the body’s pressure points. This promotes the release of serotonin and endorphin–hormones responsible for pain relief.
Chiropractic care is another treatment that works directly on muscles and bones. Let us look deeper into how psoriatic arthritis and chiropractic care relate to each other.
Can Chiropractic Help Psoriatic Arthritis?
Chiropractic care is a manual therapy that improves the nervous system by correctly aligning the spine. Studies show a healthy spine benefits the muscles and joints, which helps improve the body’s immune system.
Spine manipulation or readjustment is the primary method involved in chiropractic care. Realigning the joints and spine through various amounts of pressure can:
- Relieve sore muscles
- Prevent muscle spasms
- Improve movement
- Stretch the spine
A 2017 review also emphasized the effect of spinal manipulation on improving lower back pain and back function. However, chiropractic therapy should only complement the doctor’s prescribed medications.
Chiropractic care helps repeal the progress of disease while taking drugs intended for PsA relief, such as:
- Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
- Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs)
- Pain medications: Gabapentin, Lyrica, and Cymbalta
For patients considering chiropractic therapy as an addition to their treatment plan, it is best to discuss this with your arthritis specialist, who can provide insights into the possible benefits and risks involved. Once they approve, make sure to disclose all the symptoms and health changes to your trusted chiropractor, which will help them perform specific therapy that works best with your medical condition.
Discuss PsA With Advanced Chiropractors Group
Always remember, the best way to manage joint pain, stiffness, and swelling from PsA is the proper integration of natural remedies to the medications prescribed by the professionals. Discuss any at-home remedies or any treatment outside your medications with your doctor.
Advanced Chiropractors Group is partnered with a trusted team of medical professionals who provide services founded on integrity and care. We only recommend what is best for your health and well-being.
Let us give you insights on the question: “Can chiropractic help psoriatic arthritis?” We can connect you to the best chiropractors who can help answer this question and more. Call us now.
