July is Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month
- Dr. Trina Ting
- Jul 1
- 2 min read
By Debra and Dr.Ting
Have you noticed you child has ongoing stiffness, joint pain, loss of appetite or having difficulty with everyday tasks? It may be hard to believe but, it could be juvenile arthritis. This is an inflammatory disease where the immune system attacks the joints. Blood work and a clinical assessment by a pediatric rheumatologist will offer the right diagnosis.
As a parent, the thought of arthritis may be scary, but with proper care, your child can be back playing with friends and not missing out on the fun of childhood.
How does a chiropractor help get your child through juvenile arthritis? They employ techniques which often decrease stiffness, soreness, and pain from arthritis. They can also recommend exercises and activities that increase flexibility and improve muscle tone and strength or provide lifestyle changes to assist in reducing joint inflammation.
Chiropractic care for juvenile arthritis focuses on treating the whole body through various techniques, that don’t require medication, to reduce stiffness, ease pain, and improve physical mobility.
Techniques include:
Adjustments: Gentle adjustments are used to restore joint mechanics, reduce nervous system dysregulation, and strain on joints. ProAdjuster treatments may be gentler on children as it is less jarring and scary than manual adjustments.
Massage: Targeted massage and manual release of muscles surrounding the joints help relieve pain and improve overall flexibility.
Exercises: Stretching routines can increase range of motion, preserve muscle tone and reduce flare-ups. Encourage your child by doing the moves with them.
Chiropractic treatment should complement alongside a pediatrician or rheumatologist provider. This is important as your child is still growing and the approach has to be tailored.
It can be an overwhelming diagnosis to receive, but with the right specialists and additional providers such as chiropractors and RMTs, your child will adapt.
Some Links to help:
Comments