Can a chiropractor help with arthritis? Yes! A chiropractor can relieve pain, reduce inflammation, increase range of motion, and help prevent further symptoms of arthritis.
No matter what type of arthritis someone has, it is incurable, but many types may be slightly reversed or can be slowed down through chiropractic care. Pain relief and measures to prevent arthritis from worsening are the only options.
Luckily, our chiropractors can help. Chiropractors excel at managing pain that comes from arthritis. A chiropractor can also help align your body, which will take pressure off of affected joints and slow the wearing out of the joint, like correcting misaligned tires increases tread life.
Chiropractic can relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and increase the joint’s range of motion. Chiropractors can also help you learn better ways to move with arthritis and recommend other treatments that can help.
What is Arthritis?
Arthritis is a word that literally describes joint inflammation. While joint inflammation is a symptom, not a diagnosis, arthritis is typically used to describe issues with joints.
Arthritis can affect people of any age, even children.
There are many types of arthritis, and they are all a bit different.
All types of arthritis have some similarities, however. They commonly include joint pain, limited motion, swelling, and stiffness. The two most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Types of Arthritis
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage and flexible tissue between your joints break down. The loss of the protective tissues in your joints leads to the bones grinding directly against each other.
Over time, osteoarthritis gets worse and worse because the tissue will continue to wear down. It usually takes place in joints that bear weight, such as your hips, knees, and lower back.
The wear and tear in these joints is made worse when there is a misalignment of the bones in the area.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis occurs when your own body’s immune system attacks its own bodily tissues.
This is typically in your joints, but in severe cases, your immune system may attack your own organs. With rheumatoid arthritis, your joints will painfully swell.
Over time, that can lead to bone erosion and joint deformity. Rheumatoid arthritis usually is found in your lower back, knees, hands, and wrists.
How Chiropractors Treat Arthritis
One of the most common questions patients ask is how chiropractors treat arthritis if they cannot reverse the condition.
The answer lies in improving the function of the joints and surrounding tissues.
Chiropractic care focuses on restoring proper movement within the spine and extremity joints. When joints become restricted, surrounding muscles tighten, inflammation can increase, and additional stress may be placed on already damaged structures.
A chiropractor may use several techniques, including:
- Chiropractic adjustment procedures
- Gentle joint mobilization
- Soft tissue therapies
- Corrective exercises
- Physiotherapy recommendations
- Posture and movement guidance
The goal is not to cure arthritis but to help effectively manage arthritis symptom flare-ups while improving overall function. Studies and clinical observations suggest chiropractic care can help reduce pain and improve mobility in many arthritis sufferers.
Chiropractor for Arthritis in Erie and Longmont, CO
If you have arthritis or would like more advice, visit us at one of our offices in Erie or in Longmont.
The Chiropractic Center of Erie and the Chiropractic Center of Longmont treat the body holistically with our award-winning treatment process to help your body achieve and maintain optimal performance.
We specialize in treating patients suffering from different conditions and have helped several patients find relief without the need for surgery.
If you’d like to learn more about chiropractic care in Longmont or Erie or have questions about what to expect during your first chiropractor visit in Erie or Longmont, call our offices today at 303-828-3000 or 303-772-1950 or reach our Facebook page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can chiropractic care cure arthritis?
No. Chiropractic care cannot cure arthritis, but it may help reduce pain, improve joint mobility, and support better function.
How do chiropractors treat arthritis?
Chiropractors use chiropractic adjustments, joint mobilization, soft tissue therapies, physiotherapy recommendations, and lifestyle guidance to help manage symptoms.
Is chiropractic care for arthritis safe?
For many patients, yes. Treatment is tailored to the individual’s condition and health history to maximize safety and effectiveness.
Can chiropractic care reduce joint inflammation?
Can chiropractic care reduce joint inflammation?
What type of arthritis responds best to chiropractic treatment?
Many patients with osteoarthritis benefit from chiropractic care, although treatment plans vary depending on the type and severity of arthritis.
How often should arthritis patients see a chiropractor?
The frequency depends on symptoms, goals, and overall health. A chiropractor will recommend a personalized treatment plan.
Can chiropractic care improve joint mobility?
Yes. One of the primary goals of chiropractic treatment is to improve joint mobility, flexibility, and overall movement.
