The human body has joints everywhere a bone connects to another bone, and everyone has 340 of them. Some are obvious: there’s a joint in every bend of your fingers or in your knee. Some, however, are less well known. The skull has many bones, and every point they come together is a joint. Each place your vertebrae come together is also a joint.
We hardly notice our joints when everything is working the way it’s supposed to. The cartilage, ligaments, and bones are moving easily. All that changes when our hips begin to hurt with every step, or our knuckles swell and ache when we write.
What is Joint Pain?
Your body has several systems that work together for proper joint function. There is cartilage at the end of your bones where they meet in the joint. Cartilage functions asa shock absorber when we move and as a tough coating that protects the bone from damage. There are specialized cells, called synoviocytes, that provide a lubricating fluid between the layers of cartilage.
Outside of the joint, ligaments hold the two bones together. Muscles provide the force that moves each joint bone. Each joint is also surrounded by bursae, or fluid-filled pockets that form a layer of protection between the skin and the joint. These systems need to function properly for a joint to work without pain.
The Causes of Joint Pain
Joint pain happens when any one of these systems is compromised to the point of pain. Osteoarthritis is one of the most common causes for joint pain, especially among older adults. This age-related condition occurs when the cartilage in your joints slowly breaks down over time.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder in which your immune system attacks your joints, causing pain. It causes the connective tissue in the joint to swell, and the joint can deteriorate over time.
Overuse can also cause joint pain, especially when the joint has been subject to unusual amounts of stress. Using poor technique when you are lifting heavy objects or repeatedly using a joint in extreme ways can cause overuse injury.
Another common cause for is traumatic injury. When someone gets in a car accident or breaks an arm, it can cause problems with joints.
The Treatment of Joint Pain
When you visit a chiropractor, he or she will, determine your condition and prescribe a course of action.
A doctor of chiropractic has many techniques that can help with joint pain. Ultrasound and low level electrical stimulation can alleviate pain and help restore proper joint function. Your doctor will probably prescribe stretching and exercises to increase flexibility and strength for the affected area.
Your chiropractor can also help with manual manipulation techniques. He may adjust your joint so every part is better aligned, or she may use trigger-point therapy to alleviate pain.
Schedule an Appointment Today
Contact Michigan Chiropractic Specialists today for an appointment.