Joint Pain | St. Louis

Joints are where one bone connects with another. They are the space between that allow for proper movement and function. Our body has many different types of joints, from those that barely move at all (like the sutures in your skull) to synovial joints that move in many different directions (like your shoulder joints, ankle joint, hip joint, spinal facet joints, etc.). When joints do not work properly, the muscles and ligaments cannot function properly either. They will tend to either shorten or elongate, depending on the joint problem. When this occurs, they leak toxins that irritate local tissues and nerves. This leads to further pain and dysfunction that compounds until the underlying issue is resolved.

Causes of Joint Pain in St. Louis

Pain can occur in joints anywhere in the body, including the hands, back, knees, neck and shoulders. There are many common causes of joint pain, ranging from injury to arthritis to infectious and inflammatory diseases.

Joint Injury and Overuse

Injuries such as broken bones, dislocations and muscle sprains and strains can all cause pain in the affected joint.

Joint Arthritis

Arthritis is inflammation of the joint which is usually accompanied by pain and swelling and frequently, changes in structure.

Autoimmune Diseases

Autoimmune diseases are those that occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues in your body. Some autoimmune disorders that are known to cause joint pain are: Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus and Sarcoidosis.

Infectious Diseases

According to the University Of Maryland Medical Center, a number of infectious diseases can cause joint pain. Such as, Lyme disease, Osteomyelitis, Measles, Mumps, Rubella or German Measles, flu virus, Chickenpox, and Rheumatic Fever.

Bursitis and Tendonitis

Bursitis is the swelling of fluid-filled sacs, called bursae, found between tendons and skin or bone. It can cause acute or chronic pain in the joints, especially with movement. Tendonitis, or the inflammation of a tendon that connects muscle to bone, which is caused by overuse or by new activity at an older age, can also cause painful joints

Treatment of Joint Pain in St. Louis

Chiropractic treatment of joint pain is a safe non-surgical long term treatment that involves adjustments of the bone surrounding the affected area. Chiropractic treatment is the permanent solution that corrects the underlying cause of joint dysfunction. Normal ranges of motion are restored and inflammation reduced, allowing for soft tissue reactions to heal. The chiropractor may also advise the patient to rest the affected joint, apply cold to reduce inflammation, perform appropriate exercises, or wear a splint or brace to immobilize the area. Acupuncture can also be employed to speed up the recovery and healing process.