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WRITTEN BY: Tammy C. Perez, M.A., NCC, LCDC, LPC

REVIEWED BY: Dr. Terry Schroeder on April 18, 2023

Arthritis

 

What is arthritis?

Arthritis is a medical condition characterized by inflammation and stiffness of one or more joints in the body. There are many different types of arthritis. The most common include osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage between joints wears down over time, causing bones to rub against each other, leading to pain, stiffness, and loss of mobility. This condition most commonly affects weight-bearing joints, such as the knees, hips, and spine.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder in which the body's immune system attacks the lining of the joints, causing inflammation, pain, and swelling. This type of arthritis can affect any joint and may cause fatigue, fever, and weight loss.

Other factors can cause arthritis, such as infections, metabolic disorders, and injury to the joint. Treatment for arthritis depends on the type and severity of the condition and may include medication, physical therapy, and surgery.

What causes arthritis?

Arthritis is a universal term for describing joint inflammation, pain, stiffness, and damage. Common causes of arthritis include age, genetics, injuries, infections, autoimmune disorders, metabolic disorders, obesity, and environmental factors. Environmental factors, such as smoking or pollution, may increase the risk of developing certain types of arthritis.

Arthritis develops through a combination of elements. Therefore, treatment options vary and depend on the condition's specific type and underlying cause.

What are the symptoms of arthritis?

Symptoms of arthritis vary depending on the type and severity of the condition. Common symptoms include pain, stiffness, swelling, limited range of motion, fatigue, joint weakness, and inflammation.

Arthritis causes pain within the joints, which may be constant, intermittent, dull, sharp, or stabbing sensations. Joint stiffness is a common experience after periods of inactivity. Arthritis also causes inflammation, leading to swelling, fatigue, and limited range of motion of the joints. These symptoms can severely affect independent living and quality of life.  

Determining the underlying cause of arthritis is essential in developing an appropriate treatment plan for pain management and maintaining joint functioning.

How is arthritis treated?

Arthritis treatment plans vary depending on the type and severity of the condition. Standard treatment options include medications, physical therapy, surgery, and lifestyle changes.

Medications used to treat arthritis include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), and biologics. These medications can help relieve pain and inflammation, slow joint damage, and improve joint function.

Physical therapy introduces exercises to improve strength, flexibility, and range of motion. These activities can help reduce pain and improve the ability to perform daily activities.

Surgery may sometimes be necessary to repair or replace a damaged joint. This option is usually a last resort after other treatments have been unsuccessful.

Lifestyle changes help manage arthritis symptoms and improve overall health. These changes include maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding activities that add stress to the joints.

How does arthritis affect brain health?

Research has shown that chronic inflammation, prevalent with arthritis, can adversely affect brain health. This inflammation can lead to cognitive impairments, such as memory, attention, and decision-making difficulties. Inflammation can also affect the production of neurotransmitters, chemicals in the brain essential for brain cell communication.

Chronic pain caused by arthritis can lead to depression and anxiety, leading to a further decline in mental wellness. Depression and anxiety disorders impact sleep quality, critical for maintaining cognitive function and emotional well-being.

It is essential to manage arthritis symptoms to reduce inflammation and pain and to help prevent potential negative impacts on brain function. Additionally, engaging in activities that promote brain health, such as exercise and social engagement, has been proven beneficial.

How can Brain Frequency™ help?

The Brain Frequency™ AI system is an innovative therapeutic approach to improving brain health and wellness. We use proprietary science-based technology to promote optimal brain functioning across mental, emotional, physical, and social domains. Our diagnostic technology and individualized treatment protocols help decrease or eliminate trauma-related symptoms and various mental health disorders.

The Brain Frequency™ 3 Step Treatment Process consists of; first, performing a Baseline EEG and completing Psychometric Assessments; second, conducting a Brain Frequency Consultation; and third, Initiating Treatment.

An Electroencephalogram (EEG) analyzes brain waves and produces a brain map identifying current and optimal frequencies in 19 areas of the brain. Based on the individualized brain map, Brain Frequency™ will determine possible diagnoses of various mental health disorders or brain trauma for the provider to consider during treatment. Brain Frequency™ AI software provides clinicians with an "Approval Ready" treatment plan using personalized protocols based on each patient's needs.

Those suffering from symptoms of arthritis can efficiently and effectively improve their brain health and wellness by using the Brain Frequency™ AI system. Our innovative system drastically reduces the time needed to properly diagnose and construct treatment plans leading to a faster recovery and greater quality of life.

RESOURCES

 

Substance Abuse & Mental Health Service Administration (SAMHSA): https://www.samhsa.gov/

Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA): https://www.hrsa.gov/

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH): https://www.nimh.nih.gov/

Center For Disease Control & Prevention (CDC): https://www.cdc.gov/


American Psychological Association (APA): https://www.apa.org/

National Institutes of Health (NIH): https://www.nih.gov/

National Suicide Prevention Line: https://988lifeline.org/

National Library of Medicine: https://medlineplus.gov/

Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/

 

WebMD: https://www.webmd.com/ 

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