Getting a good night’s sleep is hard when you have arthritis. You often wake up with stiff joints and tight muscles, and you’re much more vulnerable to inflammation from ordinary activity. And because you’re in pain, it’s harder for you to fall asleep at night, trapping you in a cycle of discomfort. Fortunately, we at the Carrollton chiropractic office of Dr. Peter Lazarnick (Dr. Pete) offer several safe pain-relief treatments for people suffering from osteoarthritis, as well as lifestyle advice that will restore the joints’ range of motion and keep them more comfortable as the patient sleeps.
Arthritis means “joint inflammation” and can be caused by several diseases. Osteoarthritis is a condition in which the cartilage that cushions bones gets eroded, causing the bones to rub against each other. Besides resulting in irritation, it can also trigger the development of bony spurs. These spurs could put more pressure on nearby soft tissues, such as the back muscles that stretch over the vertebrae’s facet joints.
We can reduce inflammation by applying low level laser therapy, diathermy, and soft tissue manipulation. These techniques will push old blood out of muscles, allowing nutrient-rich new blood to flow in. We can also use chiropractic adjustments to restore joints to their proper position, putting less friction on their remaining cartilage. Doctor-overseen physical therapy will increase flexibility, allowing muscles to more easily stretch over bone spurs. We may also recommend differently shaped pillows to supply patients with more joint support as they sleep, and recommend that they try sleeping in different positions.
Dr. Peter Lazarnick is located at 486 Bankhead Hwy, Carrollton, Georgia, 30117. To schedule an appointment, call 770-832-2226 or visit www.askdrpete.com.