Arthritis and Chiropractic Care: A Natural Approach to Managing Joint Pain
Living with Arthritis Doesn’t Mean Living with Constant Pain
Arthritis is one of the most common causes of chronic pain and reduced mobility, affecting millions of Americans every year. Whether you’re experiencing aching knees, stiff hips, sore hands, or chronic neck and back pain, arthritis can make even simple daily activities more difficult.
While arthritis cannot usually be reversed, many people are surprised to learn that chiropractic care can play an important role in helping reduce pain, improve joint function, and keep them moving comfortably.
At Wellness 1st Chiropractic in Austin, Minnesota, Dr. Kelly Nesvold has helped patients for more than 20 years improve their quality of life through personalized chiropractic care. Rather than simply masking symptoms with medication, chiropractic care focuses on improving how your joints, muscles, and nervous system work together.
What Is Arthritis?
Arthritis isn’t a single disease. It’s actually a broad term describing inflammation or degeneration affecting the joints.
There are over 100 different forms of arthritis, but the two most common include:
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. Sometimes called “wear-and-tear arthritis,” it develops as the protective cartilage inside a joint gradually breaks down over time.
Common locations include:
- Knees
- Hips
- Neck
- Lower back
- Shoulders
- Hands
Symptoms often include:
- Morning stiffness
- Joint pain
- Swelling
- Grinding sensations
- Reduced flexibility
- Difficulty standing after sitting
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system attacks healthy joint tissue.
While chiropractic care does not treat the autoimmune disease itself, many patients with rheumatoid arthritis benefit from chiropractic treatment to improve joint mobility, reduce muscle tension, and improve overall function when it is appropriate and coordinated with their medical care.
What Causes Arthritis?
Several factors contribute to arthritis, including:
- Aging
- Previous injuries
- Genetics
- Repetitive movements
- Poor posture
- Excess body weight
- Inflammation
- Joint instability
Although aging increases your risk, arthritis is not simply an unavoidable part of getting older. Keeping your joints moving properly is one of the best ways to maintain function.
Can Chiropractic Care Help Arthritis?
This is one of the most common questions we hear.
The answer is yes—for many people.
Chiropractic care cannot replace cartilage that has worn away or cure arthritis, but it may help reduce many of the mechanical problems that make arthritis more painful.
When joints lose normal movement, surrounding muscles tighten, inflammation increases, and neighboring joints often begin compensating. This creates a cycle of stiffness and discomfort.
Gentle chiropractic adjustments are designed to restore normal joint motion where appropriate, allowing the body to move more efficiently.
Many patients report improvements in:
- Pain levels
- Joint flexibility
- Walking comfort
- Sleep quality
- Daily activities
- Overall mobility
How Chiropractic Adjustments Help Arthritic Joints
Healthy joints are designed to move.
When arthritis limits movement, nearby muscles often tighten to protect the joint. This creates additional pain beyond the arthritis itself.
Chiropractic adjustments may help by:
- Improving joint mobility
- Reducing stiffness
- Improving spinal alignment
- Decreasing muscle tension
- Supporting healthier movement patterns
- Helping distribute forces more evenly throughout the body
Every treatment at Wellness 1st Chiropractic begins with a thorough evaluation to determine whether chiropractic care is appropriate for your specific condition.
Which Types of Arthritis Respond Best?
Many patients with osteoarthritis experience improvement in:
Neck Arthritis
Neck arthritis often causes:
- Stiffness
- Reduced turning ability
- Headaches
- Pain between the shoulders
Gentle chiropractic care may help restore movement while reducing muscular tension around the cervical spine.
Lower Back Arthritis
Arthritis affecting the lumbar spine frequently causes:
- Morning stiffness
- Difficulty standing upright
- Pain after sitting
- Reduced flexibility
Spinal adjustments, combined with stretching and exercise recommendations, often help patients move more comfortably.
Hip Arthritis
Hip arthritis may cause:
- Groin pain
- Difficulty climbing stairs
- Pain while walking
- Trouble getting into vehicles
Improving movement throughout the pelvis and lower spine can reduce stress placed on the hip joint.
Knee Arthritis
Although chiropractors don’t adjust only the knee, evaluating the hips, ankles, pelvis, and spine often reveals movement problems that contribute to increased stress on the knee.
Improving overall body mechanics can help many patients walk with less discomfort.
Beyond Adjustments: A Whole-Body Approach
At Wellness 1st Chiropractic, arthritis care often includes much more than spinal adjustments.
Depending on your needs, your treatment plan may include:
- Joint mobility exercises
- Stretching recommendations
- Posture education
- Lifestyle modifications
- Home exercises
- Nutritional guidance
- Activity recommendations
The goal is helping you stay active—not avoiding movement.
Can Massage Therapy Help Arthritis?
Absolutely.
Massage therapy helps many arthritis patients by:
- Relaxing tight muscles
- Improving circulation
- Reducing muscle guarding
- Increasing flexibility
- Promoting relaxation
When chiropractic care and massage therapy are combined, many patients experience greater comfort than with either treatment alone.
Learn more about our Massage Therapy services.
Can Acupuncture Help Arthritis?
Many arthritis patients also benefit from acupuncture.
Acupuncture may help:
- Reduce pain
- Encourage relaxation
- Improve circulation
- Support the body’s natural healing responses
Some patients choose chiropractic care alone, while others experience excellent results by combining chiropractic adjustments with acupuncture.
Learn more about Acupuncture at Wellness 1st Chiropractic.
Exercise Is One of the Best Arthritis Treatments
Many people believe arthritis means they should avoid activity.
The opposite is usually true.
Appropriate movement helps:
- Lubricate joints
- Maintain muscle strength
- Improve balance
- Reduce stiffness
- Preserve flexibility
We’ll often recommend simple stretches and strengthening exercises that match your condition and activity level.
Healthy Habits That Support Arthritis Relief
In addition to chiropractic care, consider:
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Walking regularly
- Staying hydrated
- Stretching daily
- Improving posture
- Eating an anti-inflammatory diet
- Getting adequate sleep
Small lifestyle changes can have a significant impact over time.
When Should You See a Chiropractor for Arthritis?
You don’t have to wait until your pain becomes severe.
Many patients seek care when they notice:
- Morning stiffness lasting more than 30 minutes
- Chronic neck or back pain
- Joint pain that limits activities
- Reduced flexibility
- Frequent flare-ups
- Difficulty walking
- Pain that interferes with sleep
Early intervention often helps people stay active longer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can chiropractic cure arthritis?
No. Arthritis cannot usually be cured, but chiropractic care may help manage symptoms, improve mobility, and reduce pain.
Is chiropractic safe for arthritis?
After a thorough examination, chiropractic care is generally considered safe for many arthritis patients. Treatment recommendations are always based on your individual condition.
Will adjustments hurt?
Most patients experience little or no discomfort during treatment. Some mild soreness afterward is possible, similar to starting a new exercise routine.
Can I receive chiropractic care if I have severe arthritis?
Many patients with arthritis can benefit from chiropractic care, although treatment techniques may be modified based on the severity and location of arthritis.
Does insurance cover chiropractic care?
Many insurance plans include chiropractic benefits. Our staff can help verify your coverage before treatment.
Start Moving Better
Arthritis doesn’t have to control your life.
Whether you’re dealing with chronic neck pain, lower back arthritis, hip discomfort, or painful joints, chiropractic care may help you move more comfortably and enjoy the activities you love.
If you’re wondering whether chiropractic care is right for your arthritis, schedule a consultation with Wellness 1st Chiropractic. We’ll perform a thorough evaluation, answer your questions, and develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
We also encourage new patients to review our First Visit page so you’ll know exactly what to expect during your appointment, and our Insurance page for information about chiropractic coverage. For those interested in learning more about the science behind conservative care, visit our Research section.
Call Wellness 1st Chiropractic today at (507) 437-7781 to begin your journey toward better mobility and a healthier, more active life.