Bursitis
What is Bursitis?
Bursitis, also called working man’s disease, is a painful condition affecting the joints. Bursae are sacs filled with fluids, cushioning and lubricating the muscles, bones, and tendons near the joints. If the joint is overused, then the bursa may become inflamed. The inflammation of the bursae causes bursitis. The human body has more than 150 bursae.
Often, the repetitive motion of the joints causes bursitis. Shoulders, hips, and elbows are common locations for bursitis. Bursitis is a very common problem but, most people prefer to treat it at home rather than visit a doctor. Generally, the pain goes away with resting the affected joint. Bursitis is most common in people over 40 years old.
Symptoms of Bursitis
The common symptoms of bursitis are:
- Pain while moving or applying pressure on the affected joint
- Swelling of the joint
- Muscle weakness
- Restricted movement
There are some additional symptoms of septic bursitis, bursitis caused by the infection. These are
- Fever
- Redness in the affected joint
- The affected joint feels hot on touching
Causes of Bursitis
The most common causes of bursitis are:
- Repetitive movements of the joints putting pressure on the bursae.
- Injury or overuse of joints
- Incorrect posture while working
- Not stretching properly before exercise
- Health conditions like gout, thyroid disorders or rheumatoid arthritis
- High-risk activities like skiing, pitching, throwing, carpentry, etc.
Common Areas for Bursitis
The most common areas for bursitis are:
- Elbows
- Shoulders
- Hips
- Thighs
- Ankles
- Buttocks
Chiropractic Care for Bursitis
Chiropractors perform certain adjustments in the spine and other joints. As a result, the extra pressure of the bursa and tendons is relieved. These adjustments are very helpful in decreasing the inflammation, reducing the pain, and preventing further degradation of the joints. Chiropractors focus on natural healing and maintaining proper body functions to prevent conditions such as bursitis.