Arthritis Pain Treatment: Can Chiropractic Care Help Joint Discomfort?

Living with arthritis can sometimes mean experiencing daily joint pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. In the United States, about 50 million adults have arthritis, and about 1 in 4 adults with arthritis report severe joint pain. A lot of them look for non-drug options to manage their symptoms.

So, can chiropractic care help joint discomfort from arthritis? It may help some people reduce pain and improve function, especially when symptoms are mechanical (like osteoarthritis) and not during an active inflammatory flare. Results vary, and chiropractic care is not a cure, but it may be one option within a broader arthritis care plan.

What Is Arthritis and Why Does It Hurt?

Arthritis isn’t just one disease. It’s a term for over 100 joint conditions. The two most common types are:

• Osteoarthritis (OA) – wear-and-tear that breaks down cartilage
• Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) – an autoimmune disease causing inflammation

Both cause joint stiffness, swelling, and reduced movement. Traditional arthritis pain treatment includes medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes. But pills can have side effects, and not everyone finds relief.

This is why many patients explore other options. An arthritis chiropractor focuses on the musculoskeletal system using hands-on therapy. It’s drug-free and appeals to those seeking natural pain management approaches.

How Chiropractors Approach Arthritis Pain Treatment

Chiropractors diagnose and treat musculoskeletal problems through manual therapies. A chiropractic adjustment applies controlled force to a joint to improve alignment and movement.

For arthritis patients, the goal is simple:

• Reduce pain in affected joints
• Increase range of motion
• Improve overall function

Dr. Robert Hayden of the American Chiropractic Association explains it well. “The place where chiropractic really shines is in maximizing the function of an arthritic joint,” he says. “Our goal is to restore patients’ function so they can have the kind of life they want.”

What to Expect During Treatment

Modern chiropractic care for arthritis is gentle and customized. It’s not about forcefully cracking painful joints. Instead, chiropractors use:

• Low-impact joint mobilization
• Soft tissue therapy
• Traction stretches
• Therapeutic ultrasound
• Electrical stimulation (TENS)
• Cold laser therapy

An arthritis chiropractor may also work on related areas. For example, a painful arthritic knee can strain your hips or lower back. By adjusting these areas, the chiropractor helps reduce secondary pain.

Chiropractors don’t just treat the spine. They can adjust knees, hips, shoulders, and hands too. This whole-body approach helps improve mobility throughout your entire system.

Does Research Support Chiropractic for Arthritis?

Let’s be clear: chiropractic cannot cure arthritis or reverse joint damage. No treatment can. But research shows that adjustments can provide short-term relief of pain and stiffness.

Key Research Findings

Chiropractic care cannot cure arthritis or reverse joint damage. The goal is symptom relief and better function.

Where the evidence is strongest is back pain, which many arthritis patients also deal with. A 2017 systematic review and meta-analysis in JAMA found spinal manipulative therapy was linked to modest improvements in pain and function for acute low back pain, with mainly minor, short-term side effects reported. A 2019 BMJ review found small improvements for chronic low back pain compared with other recommended approaches.

Evidence for osteoarthritis in the hip and knee is smaller and more mixed. A randomized trial published in Osteoarthritis and Cartilage (2013) found that patient education plus manual therapy delivered by a chiropractor (12 sessions over 6 weeks) improved outcomes more than a minimal control program, while education alone did not outperform control. 

For knee osteoarthritis, systematic reviews suggest manual therapy may provide short-term benefit, but study quality and long-term results vary. Major guidelines also reflect this uncertainty. For example, the 2019 ACR/Arthritis Foundation guideline conditionally recommends against adding manual therapy to exercise over exercise alone for knee or hip osteoarthritis.

What About Long-Term Results?

The benefits appear to be primarily symptomatic and short-term. Pain relief might last weeks or months and often needs maintenance sessions.

It is recommended by the Arthritis Foundation to try 4-10 sessions. If you don’t see improvement, it may be time to try a different therapy.

Is Chiropractic Safe for Arthritis Patients?

Chiropractic treatment for osteoarthritis is thought to be extremely safe. Most people can tolerate gentle changes nicely.

When to Be Careful

If you have inflammatory arthritis like RA, psoriatic arthritis, or ankylosing spondylitis, extra caution is needed.

Avoid adjustments during active flare-ups when joints are:

• Swollen
• Hot
• Very painful

If a joint is actively inflamed, it’s best not to adjust it until inflammation is controlled.

RA in the neck is especially risky. It can weaken ligaments, so neck adjustments are usually not recommended.

Alternative Therapies During Flares

Even during flares, an arthritis chiropractor can still help through:

• Treating the surrounding areas rather than the inflammatory joints.
• Therapeutic ultrasonography for mild tissue massage.
• TENS relieves nerve and muscle pain.
• Cold laser may reduce inflammation.
• Heat therapy can enhance circulation.

Always inform your chiropractor about:

• Your type of arthritis
• Current flare status
• Any osteoporosis or spinal issues
• Complete medical history

Can chiropractic cure my arthritis?

No, chiropractic cannot cure arthritis or reverse joint damage. However, it can provide pain relief and improve joint function. Think of it as pain management, not a cure.

How many sessions will I need?

Most experts suggest trying 4-10 sessions to see if it helps. If you notice improvement, maintenance visits may be needed. Benefits are often short-term and require ongoing care.

Will my insurance cover chiropractic for arthritis?

Many insurance plans cover chiropractic care, but coverage varies. Check with your provider about your specific plan. Medicare also covers some chiropractic services.

Can I see a chiropractor if I have rheumatoid arthritis?

Yes, but with caution. Avoid adjustments during active flares or on inflamed joints. A good chiropractor will use alternative therapies or treat non-inflamed areas. Always coordinate with your rheumatologist.

Should I stop my arthritis pain treatment medication if I try chiropractic?

No. Use chiropractic as part of your overall pain management plan, not as a replacement. Continue your prescribed medications and work with your medical team. The best results come from combining treatments.

How do I find a qualified arthritis chiropractor?

Look for a chiropractor with experience treating arthritis patients. Ask about their approach and techniques. They should perform a thorough evaluation and tailor treatment to your needs. Getting a referral from your doctor can also help.

Taking Control of Your Arthritis Pain

Arthritis pain treatment through chiropractic care offers a drug-free option for many people. Research shows it can reduce pain and improve movement, especially for osteoarthritis. While it’s not a cure, it’s a safe and effective tool when used properly. The key is finding a qualified arthritis chiropractor who understands your specific condition and can customize care to your needs.

Ready to explore arthritis pain treatment? Contact us today to schedule a consultation. Our experienced team will evaluate your condition and create a personalized pain management plan to help you move more comfortably. Call now or visit our clinic to take the first step toward better joint health.