Do you have more trouble getting dressed or penning handwritten notes than you once did? Are you having trouble keeping up with basic demands of your job? Do you look for excuses to withdraw from some of your favorite activities simply because it hurts to move?
Joint pain can turn even the most routine tasks into dreaded chores — or make them totally impossible to perform at all. You need to address this issue before it gets so bad that you can’t do anything. Fortunately, you can get much of the help you need through physical therapy and without drugs or surgery.
Understanding Joint Pain
If you’ve ever ruptured a joint ligament or fractured a bone in a joint, you probably experienced a lot of pain over a set, limited time period. This is known as acute joint pain. But in some ways, chronic joint pain can be much more debilitating as it haunts you for months after month, and year after year. This kind of joint pain is commonly caused or worsened by:
Osteoarthritis –
Osteoarthritis is a progressive, usually age-related degeneration of the cartilage that normally cushions a joint’s bone ends.
Rheumatoid arthritis –
Rheumatoid arthritis is caused by abnormal immune system responses that attack the linings of joints, producing bouts of swelling, pain, stiffness, and joint damage.
Non-ergonomic working conditions –
An improperly-positioned workstation or other awkward workplace arrangements can force your body into stressful, painful positions.
Excess weight –
The heavier you are, the more pressure your weight-bearing joints must withstand. These pressures can lead to premature joint deterioration and joint tissue strain.
Musculoskeletal imbalances –
If your muscles suffer from uneven development, you may be unable to sustain a symmetrical posture. This can create muscle spasms and trigger points that refer pain to the joints.
Degenerative disc disease –
Age-related bulging discs, spinal stenosis, and other spinal changes can cause serious joint pain in the neck or back.
How Joint Pain Hurts Your Life
Joint pain isn’t just annoying; it can be downright disabling or even dangerous. If, for example, you can’t reliably turn your head to see traffic, you could easily end up in an auto accident. Stiff joints that affect stance and gait can increase your risk of falls. Simply buttoning your shirt, cooking a meal, or writing a check may be beyond you. Joint pain needs to be slowed, arrested, or reversed so you can continue to live the life you want.
Treating Your Joint Pain
Most people assume that with age comes discomfort, but aging itself does not necessarily cause joint pain. When everyday tasks, such as bathing, walking or even opening a jar become difficult or painful, you should seek medical attention. You do not need to accept a lesser quality of life simply because you have grown older.
Numerous non-surgical treatments are available which can allow you to live life more comfortably, but it’s important to first get a diagnosis from a medical professional. Because most people cannot tell the difference between pain from an inflamed joint or a torn tendon, your doctor will need to evaluate your symptoms and your health history to determine the source of the problem and plan a course of treatment.
People with joint pain are frequently diagnosed with osteoarthritis – commonly known as arthritis – which is chronic inflammation of the joints. Your doctor may suggest certain supplements that can reduce pain and swelling, or prescribe physical therapy or specific exercises to lessen pressure on the joints. Prescription medications and surgery may also be options, but initially, less aggressive approaches often bring relief.
In addition to arthritis, other conditions can cause chronic pain, including tendinitis, nerve compression, cartilage or tendon tears, obesity and general deconditioning. Today’s medical advancements offer proven treatment options that help manage your pain so you can participate in the activities you enjoy.
Most cases of joint pain will respond to conservative, non-surgical forms of care.
That’s where our physicians in Idaho Falls, Idaho shine. We offer various non-surgical pain management therapies to help patients who are dealing with all types of conditions, such as: knee pain, joint pain, shoulder pain, elbow pain, sciatic nerve pain, arthritis in the knee and much more.
So, if you’re tired of constant chronic joint pain and weary from the impact of limited mobility. And even more tired of the addictive pain medications and the physical and emotional toll on your body, then turn to our board-certified physicians and Non-Surgical solutions at Eagle Rock Medical Center, for a rejuvenating experience that will vastly improve your quality of life. Contact our physicians today by clicking here or call us directly at (208) 877-4788.