Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of those conditions that many people assume is just “part of getting older.” While age is a factor, the reality is a bit more complex. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, affecting millions worldwide. It develops when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of bones wears down over time. But cartilage loss isn’t the whole story—changes also occur in the bone, joint capsule, and surrounding muscles, which all contribute to stiffness, pain, and reduced mobility.

How OA Shows Up in Different Joints

Osteoarthritis doesn’t look the same in every joint. For example:

• Spine: OA in the spine often appears as stiffness in the neck (cervical spine) or lower back (lumbar spine), sometimes contributing to nerve irritation or radiating discomfort.
• Hips and Knees: These weight-bearing joints often show swelling, stiffness, and pain with movement—big contributors to reduced mobility.
• Hands and Wrists: OA here can cause bony enlargements and decreased grip strength, making everyday tasks like opening jars a challenge.
• Shoulders: While less common, shoulder OA can lead to grinding sensations and restricted overhead movements.

How Chiropractic Care Can Help

Here’s the good news: while chiropractic care can’t “cure” osteoarthritis, it can help manage the symptoms and improve quality of life. Chiropractors often work as part of a broader care team, providing:

• Joint Mobilisation and Gentle Adjustments
  These techniques may help maintain mobility in affected joints, reduce stiffness, and improve functional movement.
• Soft Tissue Therapy
  Techniques such as trigger point therapy or stretching can ease muscle tightness around arthritic joints, reducing compensatory strain.
• Exercise Prescription
  Targeted exercises can strengthen supporting muscles, improve balance, and reduce stress on the joints. Regular physical activity is strongly recommended in OA management.
• Lifestyle and Ergonomic Advice
  Chiropractors can guide patients on movement strategies, pacing, and posture adjustments that help protect joints during daily life.

It’s also common for chiropractors to integrate care with other therapies—like physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and medical management (e.g., pain relief or injections). Research shows that multidisciplinary approaches are most effective in managing osteoarthritis.

When to Seek Outside Help

While chiropractic care can be a valuable part of managing OA, there are times when referral to another healthcare professional is needed. These include:

• Severe joint swelling, warmth, or redness (possible inflammatory arthritis or infection).
• Rapid worsening of symptoms or sudden inability to bear weight.
• Neurological changes such as loss of bladder/bowel control or significant weakness.
• When surgical options may be necessary, especially for advanced hip or knee OA.

Chiropractors are trained to recognise when a case requires medical referral, ensuring patients get the right care at the right time.

Curiously Aligned Take

Osteoarthritis might be common, but it doesn’t mean you’re doomed to stiff joints and less activity. With the right approach—including chiropractic care, exercise, and sometimes help from other professionals—you can stay active, reduce pain, and keep doing the things you love.

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References

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