MATAWAN, N.J., July 28, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Individuals with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis may benefit from regular chiropractic adjustments as an alternative to prescription painkillers. According to Matawan chiropractor Dr. Peter Bufano, regular adjustments, along with heat and cold therapy, help to minimize joint inflammation and reduce swelling, which helps to alleviate pain. In addition to providing immediate pain relief, chiropractic care addresses whole body health, including lifestyle factors like nutrition and exercise. As a chiropractor at Old Bridge Spine, Dr. Bufano says that this holistic approach to arthritis pain management helps patients maintain an active lifestyle.
Regular chiropractic treatments can help to alleviate arthritis pain, inflammation and swelling, says Dr. Peter Bufano, a Matawan chiropractor at Old Bridge Spine and Wellness Center. Dr. Bufano is educating patients about the benefits of chiropractic as an alternative to prescription painkillers.
"For many years, medical professionals considered arthritis to be just another part of aging," said Dr. Bufano. "The only way to cope with arthritis was to slow down, take medication and simply accept one's fate. Chiropractic care is bringing hope back to our patients, showing them that they do not need to give up their active lifestyle or rely on medication to manage their pain." Dr. Bufano says chiropractic care is beneficial for managing pain associated with both rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
Rheumatoid arthritis is the inflammation of the joints, causing them to be swollen, warm and tender. Individuals with arthritis experience prolonged stiffness and pain lasting 30 minutes or longer, including tiredness and fever. While the wrist and finger joints are most commonly affected, pain may also occur in the shoulder, hip, neck and feet. Osteoarthritis is a joint condition, characterized by excessive wear and tear that causes pain, swelling and mobility restrictions.
"Chiropractic care helps arthritis patients once again move their bodies with ease," said Dr. Bufano. "Regular adjustments maintain proper spinal alignment and reduce the severity of pain. This reduces a patient's reliance on medication for pain management and helps individuals maintain an active lifestyle. Dr. Bufano recommends patients with mild or moderate arthritis be active each day, whether patients take yoga class or go for a short swim. Regular activity keeps the joints lubricated, which helps to reduce inflammation and pain.
In addition to chiropractic care, many patients benefit from massage therapy. Therapeutic massage promotes the flow of oxygen rich blood through the muscles, reducing stiffness. Dr. Bufano, together with fellow Matawan chiropractors at Old Bride Spine and Wellness, provide chiropractic treatments for managing arthritis, as well as other chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia.
Individuals who would like to learn more about the benefits of chiropractic care for alleviating arthritis pain may attend one of the free seminars offered by Old Bridge Spine and Wellness Center. More seminar information is available through the practice's website and Facebook page.