If you’ve been living with arthritis, you know how frustrating and limiting the pain can be. Whether it’s back stiffness, aching hips, or widespread discomfort from rheumatoid arthritis, many people are searching for effective ways to manage their symptoms.
Chiropractic care is one approach that offers a natural, non-invasive option that may help ease joint discomfort and improve mobility.
What is Arthritis?
Arthritis is a broad term used to describe inflammation and later degeneration in one or more joints, leading to pain, stiffness and reduced mobility. It’s a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide and can impact any joint in the body including the spine, hips, knees and hands. While it’s often associated with aging, arthritis can affect people of all ages depending on the type and underlying cause.
There are more than 100 different types of arthritis, but the two most common forms are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Understanding the differences between these two types is important when exploring treatment options, including chiropractic care.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, usually developing with age as the cartilage cushioning joints wears down. This leads to pain, stiffness, swelling and reduced joint space linked to limited movement, especially in weight-bearing joints like the knees, hips and spine. It can also result from injuries, repetitive use or genetic factors.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the joints, causing inflammation, pain, stiffness and potential joint damage.
Unlike osteoarthritis, RA usually affects multiple joints symmetrically and can also cause fatigue and other whole-body symptoms. It may impact the spine, especially the upper neck, leading some to seek natural treatments like chiropractic care to manage pain and improve mobility.
Arthritis and Back Pain
One of the most common complaints among people with arthritis is back pain. Whether due to osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, back pain can significantly impact daily life. Rheumatoid arthritis back pain, in particular, tends to affect the spine and surrounding tissues, making movement difficult and painful. Many people ask how to relieve pain in arthritis, especially when it affects mobility and quality of life.
How Chiropractic Care Can Help
Chiropractic care provides a holistic and low-impact approach to relieving arthritis pain by improving joint mobility, reducing inflammation and supporting the body’s healing processes. For those dealing with arthritis and back pain, chiropractic adjustments help restore spinal alignment and ease pressure on affected joints. This often leads to reduced stiffness and greater freedom of movement, particularly in key areas like the spine and hips.
When it comes to rheumatoid arthritis, a gentle chiropractic approach is crucial. Since RA involves chronic inflammation, chiropractors use techniques designed to avoid stressing sensitive joints. Many people incorporate chiropractic care into their natural arthritis relief strategies. Alongside adjustments, practices like stretching, low-impact exercise, anti-inflammatory diets and complementary therapies such as massage or acupuncture can further reduce discomfort. This holistic approach is especially beneficial for those seeking natural relief for arthritis.
How to Ease Arthritis Pain at Home
There are several ways you can help relieve arthritis pain between chiropractic sessions, such as:
- Applying heat or cold packs to reduce inflammation and stiffness
- Engaging in gentle movement such as walking, yoga or swimming
- Practicing daily stretching to keep joints mobile
- Maintaining a healthy weight to reduce stress on joints
- Eating an anti-inflammatory diet rich in fruits, vegetables and omega-3 fatty acids
These lifestyle choices, combined with regular chiropractic care, can go a long way in relieving arthritis pain and improving overall joint health.
Is Chiropractic Right for You?
If you’re dealing with chronic joint discomfort and are looking for natural pain relief for rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis, chiropractic care might be worth exploring. A chiropractor can assess your condition, develop a care plan that supports your specific needs and work with you to manage your pain.
Finding relief from arthritis pain is a personal journey and what works can vary from person to person. Chiropractic care offers a supportive, holistic approach to managing symptoms and improving mobility.
Whilst chiropractic care does not cure arthritis, it can be a valuable part of your long-term pain management plan. If you’re ready to explore natural options for arthritis relief, get in touch with our team today.
