Healthy News October 2024 Chiropractic Care Options for Knee Pain

Knee pain is all too common. While Carrolltown knee replacement surgery can offer relief, it is not risk-free. According to a study by Iordache et al., predictive factors such as severe pain and limited mobility must be weighed against potential problems like infection, device failure, and the need for revision surgery. More specifically, the characteristics of a patient likely requiring a total knee arthroplasty due to knee osteoarthritis are being a female over 65 years of age who has high erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), hypertension, and fibrinogen value (a blood-clotting protein produced in the liver in response to injury, infection, and inflammation) linked to low overall KSS (knee society score) and specific KSS function values averaging 56.70. (1). Good to know! For those seeking non-surgical options, innovative treatments like those based on the Cox® Flexion Distraction Decompression technique are promising. A retrospective case series by Albano (2) highlights its potential in alleviating knee discomfort by gently decompressing the knee joint, presenting a less invasive option for those aiming to improve joint function and reduce pain. Albano treated 25 patients with knee pain. Their mean VAS (visual analog score) numbers that reflect their view of pain dropped from 7.7 to 1.8. The mean number of treatments was 5.3 over an average of 3 weeks. Acute pain patient scores went down from 8.1 to 1.1 in 4.8 treatments in 2.4 weeks while chronic knee pain patient scores dropped from 7.5 to 2.2 in 5.4 treatments in 3.3 weeks. And the best part: no adverse reactions! (2) Distraction of the knee follows the same principles of Cox® Technic spinal manipulation. In simplistic terms, open the joints by stretching to reduce pain! Let’s talk about any knee pain you may be suffering at your next Carrolltown chiropractic appointment at Gormish Chiropractic & Rehabilitation!

Listen to this PODCAST with Dr. Luigi Albano on The Back Doctors Podcast with Dr. Michael Johnson  about the use of distraction principles based on The Cox® Technic System of Spinal Pain Management to reduce knee pain.

TIP OF THE MONTH: Supplement with Chondroitin Sulfate and Curcumin

You’ll note in the above report on Carrolltown knee pain that an elevated ESR (sed rate) – an indicator of inflammation - is a risk factor for knee replacement. Chondroitin sulfate and curcumin are two mighty allies in the battle against inflammation, particularly for those suffering from conditions like knee osteoarthritis. Chondroitin sulfate has been shown to deactivate the NLRP3 inflammasome, which plays a key role in the inflammatory process, thereby potentially decreasing joint pain and stiffness as seen in the study conducted by Chang and colleagues. (3) Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, is another potent anti-inflammatory agent that helps alleviate osteoarthritis symptoms by controlling the p38MAPK pathway, according to research by Wang et al. (4) These two offer a promising approach for many knee pain patients looking for relief from joint discomfort, helping improve mobility and quality of life. Gormish Chiropractic & Rehabilitation is ready to talk about the appropriateness of these natural compounds for you at your next visit!

Bring your knee pain (and send that of your friends and family!) to Gormish Chiropractic & Rehabilitation! We’re here to help.

Make your Carrolltown chiropractic appointment today!

Thank you! Have a great October!

References for HEALTHY NEWS – October 2024