People afflicted with chronic inflammation are in constant pain and discomfort and are always in search of a remedy. Unfortunately, many of those remedies, while effective for short periods of time, are not sustainable or healthy for extended periods.
For example, long-term use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen increases the risk of developing conditions such as kidney disease and peptic ulcers. Steroids can also alleviate inflammation, but long-term use of steroids can lead to high blood pressure, vision issues, and osteoporosis. There is one option, however, that is often overlooked when it comes to treating chronic inflammation–physical therapy.
What Is Chronic Inflammation?
Before we talk about how PT can be effective in relieving inflammatory pain, let’s get to the source of chronic inflammation. When your body suffers from injuries, infections, and even toxins, the body fights back against these harmful things so it can heal itself. As this fight is happening, your body releases chemicals that set off a response from the immune system, such as proteins and antibodies, while increasing blood flow to the injured part of your body.
This process generally lasts anywhere from a couple of hours to a few days and is referred to as acute inflammation. Examples of acute inflammation include sustaining a cut or having a cold. Chronic inflammation, on the other hand, occurs when your body’s inflammatory response to damage remains for long periods of time and begins attacking healthy tissue, organs, and cells. Over time, chronic inflammation has been linked to quite serious conditions such as strokes, diabetes, heart disease, obesity, rheumatoid arthritis, dementia, and cancer.
Some symptoms of chronic inflammation include:
- Body pain
- Depression or anxiety
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Weight gain or loss
- Frequent infections
These symptoms can last for several months or years.
Causes of Chronic Inflammation
There are a few common causes of chronic inflammation, which include untreated acute inflammation (injury or infection), long-term exposure to pollution or chemicals, and autoimmune disorders. Other factors may contribute to chronic inflammation, including obesity, alcohol use, smoking, and stress.
Physical Therapy Could Help
Don’t let chronic inflammation take over your life. The experienced PT team at Physical Therapy NOW in Irving is here to relieve your pain through a variety of therapies so you can live your life comfortably. Let us create a customized treatment plan designed to reduce your chronic inflammation. Call us today at (214) 225-0291 to set up an appointment.
