Patient suffering from arthritis pain in her hands.

Arthritis is one of many conditions that can make your life difficult. The most common type of arthritis in the United States is osteoarthritis. It can interfere with daily functions and make some activities uncomfortable. 58.5 million Americans, or 24% of US adults, have arthritis. 57% of those are working age, and many report that arthritis can limit their ability to work.

Arthritis is even the leading cost of disability at work, with a reported annual loss of $303.5 billion. Healing arthritis with chiropractic treatment is a great possible option for this prevalent condition. This article will answer the question, ‘can a chiropractor help with arthritis?’ and offer insight into arthritis treatment.

What Is Arthritis?

The general term “arthritis” indicates pain and disease of the joints. However, it is not a singular disease. There are over 100 versions of arthritis and arthritic diseases. It can affect people regardless of age, sex, or race. Arthritis occurs more in women, and some types are found in older adults vs. younger ones. Though osteoarthritis, or wear and tear of the joints, is the most common, other types of arthritis that cause pain and aching include gout, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis. Lupus and rheumatoid arthritis have numerous bodily symptoms and cause issues with many organs.

Symptoms of Arthritis

Many symptoms can accompany arthritis. They include:

  • Pain
  • Stiffness
  • Swelling
  • Decreased joint range of motion

Symptoms are variable and can be mild, severe, intermittent, or constant. Some may remain constant, while others progressively get worse. Chronic pain can result from extreme degrees of arthritis and difficulty performing activities.

Who Gets Arthritis?

You may be at risk for arthritis if:

  • You have a family history of arthritis
  • You have specific autoimmune conditions or viral infections
  • You engage in activities in sports or on the job that puts continued stress on your joints

How Arthritis Affects Daily Life

Chronic pain can result from arthritis, as well as difficult performance of daily activities like climbing stairs and walking. Of those diagnosed with arthritis, 44% report activity limitations. 68% report difficulty getting in and out of vehicles, and 48% report depression, hopelessness, or feeling down.

Methods of Chiropractic Treatment for Arthritis

There are a host of medical providers that may try to treat your diagnosed arthritis ailments. The chiropractic way of treating arthritis involves manipulation and adjustment of your joints to improve mobility and lessen pain. While obtaining these benefits via the use of varying degrees of adjusting misaligned joints, a chiropractor attempts to improve spine-nervous system relations that could affect the function of systems and organs throughout the body.

Spinal Decompression

The central opening to the vertebrae is called the spinal canal, and the spinal cord travels through there. The nerve roots come off the cord and travel via one of the smaller openings in the vertebra. Spinal decompression can relieve pressure on these nerves that travel through and around the spine. When one of these nerves is pinched due to arthritis, pain signals are sent via the spinal cord to the brain. This can cause neck, back, leg, or arm pain. Relieving pressure off the nerve can eliminate pain and improve spine function.

Fascial Stretch Therapy

Fascial stretch therapy aims to help with mechanics and muscle activation when movement and function are not optimal. It focuses on connective tissue system treatment and not isolated muscle treatments. The therapy consists of assisted stretching that begins at your joint capsule and continues through the fascial planes of the body.

General Chiropractic Care

Reinhart Chiropractic approaches chiropractic care with a holistic mindset to ensure you get specific treatments for your specific symptoms. We offer custom approaches to care and work via personal, individual chiropractic care. The solutions are individualized and not cookie-cutter treatments. Treatment solutions include chiropractic care, spinal decompression, massage therapy, clinical nutrition, and more.

Frequently Asked Questions

The following are common questions regarding arthritic care via a chiropractor.

Is Chiropractic Care Safe for Arthritis?

With back and neck pain secondary to osteoarthritis, chiropractic care is one of the safest therapies available. However, inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis may require additional help. It’s best if swelling is under control before an adjustment or alignment. But, chiropractors do offer alternative therapies like massage and ultrasound.

Can a Chiropractor Help With Arthritis in the Lower Back?

Chiropractors can give non-invasive, safe adjustments that decrease your back pain and do not implement addictive, harsh drugs. Misalignments of the spine and overall improvement in the body’s nervous system function come with chiropractic adjustments. These adjustments reduce body inflammation and alleviates joint pain. Additional treatments can also decrease stress and factors affecting your lifestyle that can exacerbate back pain. Benefits experienced by back pain patients include:

  • Reduction in swelling
  • Increase in flexibility
  • Increase in energy
  • Decrease in pain & inflammation
  • Increase in range of motion
  • Increase in sense of well-being

Can You Get Arthritis at Any Age?

Usually, arthritis affects people in their mid-40s and older. It is most common in women and those with a history of arthritis in the family. But arthritis can happen at any age due to injury or association with other medical conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and gout.

Effective Arthritis Treatment at Reinhardt Chiropractic

Reinhardt Chiropractic has been a staple in chiropractic care for over a decade in the Denver area. The staff of specialists under the guidance of Dr. Graham Reinhardt practice the philosophy that “the body is built to be in motion”. Dr. Reinhardt and his holistic approach to health care have made him one of the best chiropractors in Denver. Each patient is treated individually in accordance with current symptoms, medical history, health goals, and the best overall treatment for them.

No case is too big or too small. Dr. Reindhardt has treated both high-level athletes and 9-5 workers with highly successful outcomes. Are you experiencing arthritis pain? Call and make your appointment today.