Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis. Often targeting the back, spine, hips, knees, and hands, OA results from the gradual wearing down of the cartilage cushioning our bones. This wear and tear leads to painful bone-on-bone movement and, unfortunately, it’s irreversible. However, there are ways to manage the pain and slow down its progression. Treatments like chiropractic care can make a huge difference in bettering quality of life.

The Challenges That Come With Osteoarthritis

The most common and noticeable symptom of osteoarthritis is joint pain. Usually, this pain gets worse with use and eases with rest, though in severe cases, it can be constant. You might also feel joint stiffness after not moving for a while or first thing in the morning. Generally, this stiffness lasts less than 30 minutes but can last longer for some people.

As the condition gets worse, you might notice your range of motion in the affected joints starting to decrease. This can make everyday tasks like walking, climbing stairs, bending, or even gripping things more difficult. Some people with osteoarthritis also deal with swelling around the joints due to inflammation, which can make moving those joints much tougher and add to discomfort.

You might also experience crepitus, which is a crackling or grating feeling in your joints when you move. This happens because the rough surfaces of the bones in the joint are rubbing together. The muscles around the affected joint can also get weaker because you’re not using them as much due to your pain.

In the later stages of osteoarthritis, you might start noticing joint deformities as the cartilage wears away completely, causing changes in the bone, even resulting in bone spurs. This often shows up in the fingers and knees. While experts used to think OA was a result of living a long and active life, it’s not an inevitable part of aging. There are plenty of ways to prevent or reduce the risk factors that can lead to an OA diagnosis.

Certain risk factors may make the development of osteoarthritis more likely, including: 

• Age, genetics, and weight
• Previous joint injuries or surgeries 
• Repetitive stress on joints from certain occupations or sports 

The good news? You can take certain steps to minimize your risk of developing OA or manage its symptoms if you’ve already been diagnosed.

How Chiropractic Care Can Help Osteoarthritis

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and chiropractic care is a treatment option that has been found to be effective in managing the symptoms of OA. By making gentle adjustments to your spine and joints, a chiropractor can help get everything back in line, ease your pain, improve your movement, and stop further issues from developing. Ultimately, chiropractic care aims to improve the connection between the spine and the nervous system, which we believe can impact the function of all the organs and systems in the body.

Chiropractors will use manual manipulation techniques on the spine and other joints to help improve range of motion, reduce pain and inflammation, and improve overall joint function. Regular chiropractic adjustments have also been shown to slow down the progression of osteoarthritis by reducing stress on affected joints.

Maintaining a healthy weight and staying active are two other ways you can keep your joints healthy. Extra body weight puts added stress on your joints, which can increase wear and tear over time. Reduce this extra strain on your joints by maintaining a healthy weight through proper diet and exercise. There are also specific chiropractic treatment options for those who are already experiencing joint pain and stiffness due to osteoarthritis, including physical therapies.

How Chiropractic Care Can Help Manage Osteoarthritis Symptoms

Besides manual adjustments, chiropractors might suggest exercises and stretches to boost joint movement and strength. They could also offer nutritional tips and recommend supplements to help reduce inflammation and support joint health. Slowing the progression of OA is possible when living a healthy lifestyle. In combination with treatment to manage your symptoms, it’s possible to enjoy a life free from this form of arthritis.
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