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What causes rheumatoid arthritis?

By August 6, 2025August 8th, 2025Blog
man with rheumatoid athritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis Causes, Symptoms, and Holistic Treatment Options

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects approximately 1.3 million Americans, causing inflammation, pain, and stiffness in the joints. Unlike osteoarthritis, which results from wear and tear, RA occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues—especially the synovium, the lining of the joints. Over time, RA can damage cartilage and bone, leading to decreased mobility and quality of life.

At Elevation Health Center, we believe in addressing RA not only by managing symptoms, but by targeting the root causes through functional medicine and chiropractic care.

Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis is considered systemic, meaning it can affect the entire body—not just the joints. In addition to joint pain, RA may cause fatigue, fever, weight loss, and even organ involvement. It typically begins between ages 30 and 60, but can occur at any age and is more common in women.

Common RA Symptoms Include:

  • Pain, swelling, and stiffness in multiple joints

  • Morning stiffness lasting more than 30 minutes

  • Symmetrical joint involvement (both sides of the body)

  • Fatigue and low energy

  • Warmth and redness in affected joints

What Causes RA?

The exact cause is unknown, but research points to a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors that trigger an abnormal immune response. Common contributors include:

  • Genetics: Certain genes increase susceptibility

  • Environmental triggers: Viral or bacterial infections

  • Hormonal factors: Estrogen fluctuations may play a role

  • Lifestyle factors: Smoking, poor diet, and chronic stress

Conventional RA Treatment

Traditional treatment for RA often includes:

  • Medications: NSAIDs, corticosteroids, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), and biologics

  • Physical therapy: Exercises to improve joint mobility

  • Surgery: Joint replacement in severe cases

While these options can help manage symptoms, they do not address the underlying immune dysfunction or lifestyle factors contributing to inflammation.

Functional Medicine: A Root-Cause Approach to RA

Functional medicine focuses on identifying and addressing the root causes of chronic illness rather than just masking symptoms. At Elevation Health Center, our functional medicine approach to RA includes:

1. In-depth Testing

We use advanced lab testing to identify:

  • Nutrient deficiencies

  • Food sensitivities

  • Gut health imbalances (leaky gut, dysbiosis)

  • Inflammatory markers

  • Hormone levels

This helps uncover hidden triggers that may be fueling your immune system’s overreaction.

2. Anti-Inflammatory Nutrition

Diet plays a critical role in managing RA. We create personalized nutrition plans that may include:

  • Elimination of inflammatory foods like gluten, dairy, processed sugar, and refined oils

  • Inclusion of anti-inflammatory foods such as wild-caught salmon, leafy greens, berries, turmeric, and ginger

  • Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation to reduce joint inflammation

3. Gut Health Restoration

Research shows a strong connection between gut health and autoimmune conditions like RA. Healing the gut lining, rebalancing the microbiome, and reducing intestinal permeability can significantly reduce autoimmune flare-ups.

4. Lifestyle & Stress Management

Chronic stress raises cortisol levels and triggers inflammation. We help patients develop mindfulness practices, breathing exercises, and restorative sleep routines to support immune balance.

Chiropractic Care for RA

While chiropractic adjustments are not a cure for RA, they can play a powerful role in improving joint function and reducing discomfort. At Elevation Health Center, our gentle, low-force chiropractic techniques can help:

  • Improve joint mobility without overstressing inflamed joints

  • Reduce nerve interference to improve communication between the brain and body

  • Enhance circulation to promote tissue healing

  • Support overall posture to reduce compensatory strain on unaffected joints

Our approach is always tailored to each patient’s current inflammation level, ensuring safety and comfort.

The Role of Movement & Physical Support

Even with joint pain, gentle, regular movement helps maintain flexibility and prevent stiffness. Low-impact exercises like swimming, yoga, and walking can be beneficial. We also guide patients on safe stretching techniques and joint-protection strategies.

Why a Combined Approach Works Best

The most effective RA management strategies blend medical care, functional medicine, and chiropractic support.

  • Functional medicine targets the root causes of immune dysfunction.

  • Chiropractic care improves structural alignment and mobility.

  • Nutrition and lifestyle changes reduce inflammatory triggers.

This integrative approach helps not only reduce flare-ups, but also supports long-term joint health and overall well-being.

How Elevation Health Center Can Help

At Elevation Health Center in Meridian, ID, we offer:

  • Comprehensive functional medicine consultations

  • Chiropractic adjustments tailored for patients with autoimmune conditions

  • Personalized nutrition and lifestyle programs

  • Ongoing support to help you live an active, pain-free life

If you are living with rheumatoid arthritis, you don’t have to settle for just “managing” symptoms. By identifying and addressing the root causes, you can take control of your health and improve your quality of life.

Call Elevation Health Center today at 208-287-9393 to schedule a consultation and learn how functional medicine and chiropractic care can help you manage rheumatoid arthritis naturally.

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