Increased chiropractic care for arthritis

By TREA WESSEL

A November 21, 2013 release by the Foundation for Chiropractic Progress (F4CP) reports on the increased usage of chiropractic care and other complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) procedures by people suffering from arthritis pain.

The F4CP release starts by noting that a recent article in Medscape Rheumatology in September entitled "CAM for Arthritis: Is There a Role?" discussed the growing trend of people with these problems seeking CAM procedures, including chiropractic. The Medscape article begins by stating, "The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that up to 50 million US adults have some form of arthritis, including one half of those older than 65 years. With lifestyle modification and pharmacotherapies often only providing partial relief, many patients turn to complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies,..."

In the Medscape article, rheumatologist Nathan Wei, MD, stated, "Chiropractic is a CAM that the American Medical Association called "snake oil" -- until a Supreme Court ruling came down in favor of the chiropractors. There's little question in my mind that chiropractic works, particularly for acute musculoskeletal pain. Also, chiropractors know musculoskeletal anatomy better than most rheumatologists."

Gerard Clum, D.C., spokesperson for the F4CP, noted in their release, "Doctors of chiropractic (D.C.s) are trained in the management of musculoskeletal conditions, such as arthritis. The evidence-based, hands-on care provided by a D.C. helps to significantly relieve arthritic symptoms, such as joint pain and swelling, and improve range of motion, endurance and muscle tone and strength."

Although many chiropractors now consider their care more main-stream than an alternative, the F4CP reports that chiropractic care is documented as one of the most popular among consumers, according to research published in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

The Medscape article reports that, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 50 million US adults have some form of arthritis, including one half of those older than 65 years. In light of this information the F4CP urges people to consider chiropractic.

"In one's journey to manage the wearing condition of arthritis, it is essential all available options be considered," says Dr. Clum. "Mounting evidence confirms choices, such as chiropractic care, present an opportunity for less risky and more effective clinical outcomes as well as higher levels of patient satisfaction. As the public becomes better educated and appreciates these findings, I expect that utilization of these services will only continue to rise."

"For more information on Chiropractic care contact:

Cannon County Chiropractic

Dr. Trea Wessel

824 McMinnville Hwy.

Woodbury, Tn 37190

615-563-3320