Difficulty opening a jar, discomfort carrying a backpack, pain while getting up from the couch. Sound familiar? Arthritis may be common, but that doesn’t mean you have to accept pain and stiffness as part of your everyday life. If you or someone you love struggles with aching joints—whether it’s your hands, knees, or back—you’re not alone.
What many people don’t realize is that there’s more to arthritis relief than just medication and surgery. At Freedman Chiropractic, we believe in a different approach: one that helps your body heal and move better, naturally.
Arthritis: It’s More Than Just “Getting Older”
Arthritis literally means inflammation of a joint, but the reasons joints become inflamed are as varied as the people who experience it. Sometimes, it’s the result of an injury—a fall, a sports mishap, or a car accident. In other cases, it’s due to the body’s own immune system attacking the joints (as in rheumatoid arthritis), or simply years of extra weight putting stress on our knees, hips, and spine.
The most common cause, though, often goes overlooked: a misalignment in the joint itself. When a joint isn’t moving the way it’s designed to, abnormal stress builds up, leading to irritation, inflammation, and, eventually, pain.
When the Problem Gets Serious: The Spine’s Hidden Role
One of the most serious and often overlooked forms of arthritis happens in the spine. Known as Vertebral Subluxation Complex (VSC), it occurs when spinal bones lose their healthy alignment. When this happens, not only do the joints themselves suffer, but the nerves that travel through the spine can become irritated as well.
This can affect not only how you move but how your entire body functions, from your digestion to your energy levels. Think of it like a car running on only half its cylinders—everything is harder, and nothing runs as smoothly as it should.
Could You Have Arthritis? Know the Signs
It isn’t always easy to tell when joint pain is arthritis. Some of the most common symptoms include:
- Morning stiffness (especially if it lasts 30 minutes or less)
- Joint pain or tenderness that’s constant or comes and goes
- Difficulty moving a joint through its full range of motion
- Grinding sensations in the joint during movement
- Unexplained weakness or persistent joint pain
If you recognize yourself in any of these symptoms, don’t ignore them! Early detection is key to slowing arthritis progression and maintaining your quality of life.
Typical Treatments and Their Drawbacks
Most people who see a medical doctor for arthritis will receive medications: pain relievers, muscle relaxers, or anti-inflammatories. While these may offer temporary relief, they don’t address the underlying cause of joint inflammation.
Plus, they come with a long list of potential side effects, from stomach and liver problems to increased risks for heart and kidney issues. Sometimes, patients are referred for lengthy physical therapy or even surgery, both of which can be expensive and disruptive.
A Natural Solution: Chiropractic Care for Arthritis
Dr. Ken Freedman has been helping arthritis sufferers in East Brunswick since 1979. Our approach is simple and natural: we look for the underlying joint misalignments, especially in the spine, that cause pain and inflammation, and gently correct them through specific chiropractic adjustments. When the joints are properly aligned, pressure is taken off the nerves, movement improves, and inflammation can subside.
Our chiropractor brings decades of experience and a wide range of gentle adjusting techniques to the table, from the traditional “cracking and popping” (if preferred) to extra-gentle methods that don’t twist, pop, or crack the joints at all. Our care is tailored to your comfort level and health needs, even if you’re in severe pain or have low bone density.
Addressing Weight Issues and Lifestyle
Carrying extra weight is a major factor in joint stress and arthritis. That’s why Dr. Freedman also offers the doctor-supervised ChiroThin™ weight loss program. In just six weeks, many patients lose 20-35 pounds safely, without drugs or prepackaged diet foods, just real food and expert guidance.
What Results Can You Expect?
Our patients often report substantial relief from pain, improved mobility, and greater strength after their very first adjustment. In fact, 85% of Dr. Freedman’s patients have noticed significant improvements right away! Studies show chiropractic care leads to higher patient satisfaction, fewer side effects, and greater savings in time and money compared to medical care.
Even if you have chronic, degenerative arthritis, regular chiropractic adjustments can help slow its progression and support a more active, independent lifestyle.
Take the First Step Toward Relief
Don’t let arthritis control your life. Contact Freedman Chiropractic today to schedule your appointment. We want to help you move and live better, naturally.