Treating Bursitis with Chiropractic
Bursitis is an acute inflammation of the bursa sac. The bursa is a saclike cavity filled with
synovial fluid and located at tissue sites where friction occurs, such as where tendons or muscles pass over long prominence. Synovial fluid is the lubricant for your joints and the bursa is a bag the keeps the fluid in the area where it is needed. In certain cases this bag or bursa sac will become inflamed. Some of the most common bursa affected are in the knees, shoulders, or elbows.
The inflammation of bursacan be caused by infection, trauma, arthritis or chronic overuse. There are other causes that are still being studied. Bursitis patients with pain tenderness, swelling and inflammation will experience a decrease in the range of motion of the effected joint. If due to an infection the bursitis will
cause swelling, redness and warmth. A Chiropractor can adjust the joint affected. If the bursitis is in the shoulder they can adjust your neck (cervical spine) to remove any local dysfunction that may have contributed to, or resulted from overcompensating posture.
Dr. Gard can also use icepacks and or electro stimulation to reduce swelling. He can then advise you on an exercise program that can help strengthen the
area affected.
Dr. Gard can also advise you on nutrition to help, expedite your recovery.
Causes of Bursitis
The most common cause of tendonitis and bursitis is injury or overuse during work or
play, particularly if the patient is poorly conditioned, has bad posture, or uses the affected
limb in an awkward position. Occasionally an infection within the bursa or tendon
sheath will be responsible for the inflammation. Tendonitis or bursitis may be associated
with diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout, psoriatic arthritis, thyroid disease and
diabetes.