This month we are talking about “all things joint pain” – which could be in the form of arthritis, an autoimmune disease, hormonal imbalance, underuse/overuse, trauma/injury, dehydration or maybe even growing pains. While joint pain can be from multiple causes depending on each person’s individual health history and lifestyle, there are a few basic steps each of us can take so that you can help lessen your joint pain and live a more optimal life.
There are joints all throughout our bodies, from our spine to our extremities. Joint pain is generally caused by a lack of movement within a joint space and/or inflammation. In order to improve the motion of the joints in question, you must move! Getting up and walking throughout the day, having intentional times of movement or even just going through range-of-motion (ROM) exercises is helpful in getting joints moving properly and preventing stiffness. Chiropractic adjustments can also help restore proper movement to your spine and extremities so your body doesn’t have to compensate or figure out a different way to move.
Inflammation can be caused by many things – diet, lack of movement, allergy/sensitivity, viruses/sickness, trauma/injury, poor posture, dehydration, etc. Here are some ways to help fight against joint pain and keep our bodies healthy:
1. Avoid inflammatory foods/eat an anti-inflammatory diet (paleo/Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) Diet)
2. Take a detox baths/epsom salt baths regularly
3. Stay hydrated
4. Establish a morning routine that gets the joints moving
5. Ice/heat the joints
6. Take Magnesium
7. Take Vitamin D
8. Consume Bone broth
9. Take Collagen
10. Supplement Fish oil/omega 3’s to properly lubricate joints
We would love to talk more about how YOU can make a change in the health of your joints. Contact us today to talk through treatment options and establishing a protocol that works for you and helps you stay healthy and moving.
Dr. Sophie Mills, Chiropractor