RALEIGH’S SOLUTION FOR CHRONIC NECK, BACK, & JOINT PAIN

Intro to The Joint We decided to get a little nerdy this month and explore THE JOINT. A joint is simply where 2 bones make contact in the skeletal system and allow movement of the human body. There are seven major joints in the body. Can you name all seven? For purposes of trivia night or perhaps a crossword puzzle, bones are attached to one another by tissues called ligaments; muscles are attached to bones through tendons. Muscles stabilize joints. Muscle strength directly correlates with joint stability. Joint Structure and Function Joints are classified into 3 types: fibrous, cartilaginous, and synovial. Functionally, there are six types based on the type and degree of movement. These are: Ball and socket joint, example – shoulders Pivot joint, example – the neck Hinge joint, example – the knee Saddle joint, example – the thumb Condyloid joint, example – finger joints Plane joint or gliding joint, example – lower leg to ankle joint Common Joint Disorders & Injuries Osteoarthritis Osteoarthritis is the most common joint disorder, developing from gradual cartilage damage and subsequent thinning. This condition is considered a “wear and tear” injury, more common in older than younger patients. Osteoarthritis is often seen with prior injury and long term high-impact stress on the affected joint. The degradation process itself does not cause pain; however, pain arises due to articular cartilage thinning, stimulating pain fibers in nearby areas. The joint's damage response is synovial fluid production, leading to swelling and inflammation that causes joint pain and stiffness. Compression of the underlying bone also results in pain, as bones are richly innervated. Gout Gout is an inflammatory arthritic condition arising from uric acid deposition within the joint resulting from overproduction or improper renal excretion and leads to uric acid precipitation within joints. The joint most affected is the big toe's metatarsophalangeal joint, a condition termed "podagra," and can also impact heels, ankles, finger, wrists, elbows, and knees. The pain in these joints can be excruciating. Synovitis Synovitis is inflammation of the synovial membrane that lines the synovial joints' articular capsules. Joint overuse is the most common cause of this condition in active, healthy people. Persistent synovitis in multiple joints may indicate rheumatoid arthritis, where the synovium is an autoimmune target. Rheumatoid arthritis can develop at any age and normally involves wrists, knuckles, and finger joints. Sudden Injuries Joint disorders can result from sudden injuries and include sprains and strains and dislocated joints. Sprains are stretched or torn ligaments. Strains are stretched or torn muscles or tendons. Dislocation is when a bone is pushed or pulled out of position and requires immediate medical attention. Overuse This can damage the soft tissue of the joint and results from working the joint too hard or doing the same thing over and over. Types of joint overuse injuries are: bursitis, tendinitis, and chronic strain. Answer The seven major joints in the body are: shoulders, hips, elbows, knees, wrists, ankles, and neck. Extra credit: How many joints are typically in the human body? Please call the office if you need help with this one.

Knee pain can be a debilitating issue that affects your daily activities and overall quality of life. Whether it's caused by osteoarthritis, misalignment, or inflammation, finding effective relief is crucial. At Corrective Chiropractic, we specialize in non-invasive treatments that target the root causes of pain, including advanced decompression techniques. These methods are designed to not only alleviate pain but also improve joint function and enhance your overall mobility. Decompression techniques can help alleviate knee pain in several ways: Reducing Pressure on the Joint: Decompression techniques can help reduce the compressive forces on the knee joint. This reduction in pressure can help relieve pain, especially if the pain is due to conditions like osteoarthritis. Improving Joint Alignment: Decompression can help realign the knee joint, which may improve its function and reduce pain. Misalignment can lead to uneven wear on the cartilage and surrounding tissues, causing pain and stiffness. Enhancing Blood Flow: By relieving pressure and improving joint alignment, decompression can enhance blood flow to the knee area. Better circulation can aid in the healing of tissues and reduce inflammation, contributing to pain relief. Reducing Inflammation: Decompression may help alleviate inflammation by improving the overall mechanics of the knee joint. This can be particularly beneficial for conditions where inflammation is a major contributor to pain. Facilitating Movement and Flexibility: Decompression techniques can help restore or improve the range of motion in the knee. Increased flexibility can reduce stiffness and make movement more comfortable, which can directly impact pain levels. Relieving Pressure on Surrounding Structures: Decompression can also help reduce pressure on surrounding structures, such as the ligaments and tendons, which can contribute to knee pain when they are overstressed or compressed. Overall, decompression can be a useful part of a comprehensive approach to managing knee pain, often in combination with other treatments like strengthening exercises, stretching, and lifestyle modifications. If knee pain persists or worsens, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation and personalized treatment plan. If you're struggling with knee pain, don't let it control your life. Schedule a consultation with Corrective Chiropractic today, and discover how our decompression techniques can help you move more freely and live more comfortably.