Chiropractic Care Can Assist in Those with Rheumatoid Arthritis
The CDC estimates that over 58.5 million Americans suffer from one form of arthritis or another, and that number is projected to rise to 78 million by 2040. Of that 58.5 million, 1.5 million are diagnosed with a very specific form of arthritis called rheumatoid arthritis (RA) every year, making it no small problem.
Unlike traditional arthritis, RA is an autoimmune disease with no exact known cause or cure. As is the case with autoimmune diseases, the body’s own immune system attacks healthy tissues. In the case of RA, it primarily attacks the lining of joints but in more severe cases, it can also involve internal organs.
The trademark sign of RA is chronic joint inflammation causing joint swelling and pain. Over time, this chronic joint inflammation can lead to bone erosion and joint deformity. More severe cases can also involve internal organs. Symptoms of RA are joint, back and muscle pain along with joint stiffness, swelling and redness. RA sufferers may also experience fatigue, skin lumps, malaise, anemia and the sensation of pins and needles.
Chiropractic care cannot cure RA, nor are there any other treatments known to cure. However, chiropractic care can assist many RA patients with improving flexibility and strength as well as helping to manage joint and muscle pain.
A study published in the Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association showed that careful chiropractic care targeted on the affected areas helped improve a female patient’s rheumatoid arthritis pain immediately. A 2019 study on a male patient found relief over the course of eight targeted adjustments and was able to get off his pain prescriptions.
Actual treatment methods vary from patient to patient as each RA case is unique and requires appropriate care. Chiropractors will evaluate you and your health history to determine the safest and most effective treatment plan, and can identify other health issues that could be making your symptoms worse.
If you’re suffering from RA, consider incorporating chiropractic care into your RA management plan. Chiropractic care is non-invasive, safe and natural. Most chiropractors also offer no-obligation consultations.
Author: ChiroPlanet.com
Source: J Can Chiropr Assoc. 2015 Jun; 59(2): 143–149.
Copyright: ProfessionalPlanets.com LLC 2022
The Power of Pets: How Furry Friends Can Lower a Child's Risk for Asthma
While new parents often consider giving their dog to grandma, studies suggest that raising children with pets may actually have a positive effect on their health after all. In fact, one Swedish study found that children living with farm animals were nearly 52% less at risk of developing Asthma. This result came from a 10-year long study that observed roughly 276,000 children aged 3 years and up. Of this group, over 22,000 included children who were raised with dogs any time during their first year. Out of the entire group studied, only 11,500 children developed asthma in their lives, and researchers found that children who were raised with farm animals or dogs since birth were half as likely to develop asthma in their life. One of the study's researchers from Sweden's Uppsala University suggested that living with pets and farm animals can potentially increase a child's immune system. Allergy researchers from the University of Washington also suggest that not only do pets get kids out into the fresh air, but certain animals may also have been exposed to a bacterium that protects them against getting Asthma.
Author: ChiroPlanet.com
Source: JAMA Pediatrics, online November 2, 2015.
Copyright: ProfessionalPlanets.com LLC 2015
Unsafe Drinking Water: Millions of Americans Exposed to Toxic Chemicals
There are three things humans need to survive: safe food, air and water. Unfortunately, with all of the pollutants in the environment, more and more people are being exposed to unsafe drinking water. A study conducted by Harvard researchers found that substances called PFASs (poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances) are showing up in drinking water. PFASs are used in fabricating commercial and industrial products, as well as aqueous film-forming foams (used in fire fighter training). These toxic chemicals are produced at industrial sites, military and fire rescue training facilities, wastewater treatment plants and airports. Over six million people live close to such facilities and are at risk for exposure. PFASs have been linked to testicular and kidney cancers, obesity, and the disruption of hormones. Because of their small size, toxic chemicals can quickly accumulate in a child’s body. Adults, on the other hand, need to be exposed to higher levels of toxins or exposed for longer periods of time before getting sick. Harvard researchers recently studied over 500 children, aged 13 years. They tested the concentration levels of PFASs, as well as tetanus and diphtheria antibodies. Children exposed to higher PFAS levels had a 25 percent decrease in antibodies. The theory is that PFASs interfere with a child’s immune function and reduce the effectiveness of vaccines. The best option is to purchase and use a quality water filtration system in your home, and maintain and change your filters as recommended. Then, simply pack water with you wherever you go within a PBA-free container. If purchasing bottled water, ensure you safely recycle all your plastic water bottles.
Author: ChiroPlanet.com
Source: Environmental Health Perspectives, online August 9, 2016.
Copyright: ProfessionalPlanets.com LLC 2016