What Is Arthritis?

Arthritis isn't a single disease—it's a term used to describe more than 100 different conditions that affect the joints. Some types develop because of normal wear and tear over time, while others are caused by the immune system attacking healthy joints.

Although the causes differ, many forms of arthritis share common symptoms, including:

• Joint pain
• Stiffness, especially after waking up or sitting for long periods
• Swelling
• Reduced range of motion
• Difficulty performing everyday activities
• Muscle tightness surrounding affected joints

Understanding which type of arthritis you have is important because treatment varies depending on the condition.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. Often called "wear-and-tear arthritis," it occurs when the protective cartilage covering the ends of bones gradually breaks down over time. It most commonly affects the knees, hips, hands, neck, and lower back.

How Chiropractic Care May Help

This is the type of arthritis chiropractors most commonly help manage.

Treatment may include:

• Gentle chiropractic adjustments to improve joint mobility when appropriate
• Therapeutic exercises to strengthen the muscles supporting the joints
• Assisted stretching to improve flexibility
• Soft tissue therapy to reduce muscle tension
• Posture and movement education to decrease stress on painful joints

Although chiropractic care cannot replace lost cartilage, improving how the surrounding joints and muscles function often helps patients move with less discomfort and greater confidence.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease. Instead of wearing out over time, the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the joints, causing inflammation, pain, and eventually joint damage if left untreated.

Because RA affects the immune system, it requires ongoing medical care, often including medications prescribed by a rheumatologist.

Can Chiropractic Help?

Yes—but in a supportive role.

When rheumatoid arthritis is well controlled, chiropractic care may help:

• Improve flexibility
• Reduce muscle tension
• Address mechanical neck and back pain
• Improve posture and movement

During active flare-ups or when joints are severely inflamed, treatment may need to be modified or certain adjustments avoided to ensure patient safety.

Psoriatic Arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis is another autoimmune condition that occurs in some people with psoriasis. It can affect both the joints and the places where tendons attach to bone.

Can Chiropractic Help?

Chiropractic care does not treat the autoimmune disease itself. However, many patients benefit from supportive care that focuses on:

• Improving mobility
• Reducing muscle tightness
• Increasing flexibility
• Teaching exercises that support healthier movement

Treatment is always customized based on the patient's symptoms and overall health.

Ankylosing Spondylitis

Ankylosing spondylitis is an inflammatory form of arthritis that primarily affects the spine. Over time, it can reduce flexibility and, in severe cases, cause parts of the spine to fuse together.

Can Chiropractic Help?

This condition requires special consideration.

Aggressive spinal manipulation is generally not appropriate for patients with advanced ankylosing spondylitis because the spine may be more vulnerable to injury.

Instead, chiropractic care may focus on:

• Gentle mobility exercises
• Assisted stretching
• Improving posture
• Strengthening supporting muscles
• Helping patients maintain as much flexibility as possible

Gout

Gout is caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals inside a joint, producing sudden episodes of severe pain, redness, warmth, and swelling—most commonly in the big toe.

Can Chiropractic Help?

Chiropractic care is not a treatment for an active gout attack.

During a flare-up, the affected joint should not be manipulated. Once the attack has resolved, chiropractic care may help with unrelated joint or muscle problems, but treating gout itself requires medical management.

How Chiropractic Care Helps People with Arthritis

Although chiropractic care doesn't cure arthritis, it can often improve how the body functions around affected joints.

Many patients experience benefits such as:

• Improved joint mobility
• Less stiffness
• Better flexibility
• Reduced muscle tension
• Improved posture
• Better balance and movement
• Increased ability to perform daily activities

At Concord Chiropractic, treatment may also include therapeutic exercises, assisted stretching, and education on proper movement patterns to help patients stay active and protect their joints.

Staying Active Is One of the Best Treatments

Many people with arthritis avoid movement because they fear making the pain worse. In reality, appropriate exercise is one of the most effective ways to manage many forms of arthritis.

Regular movement can help:

• Strengthen the muscles supporting joints
• Improve flexibility
• Reduce stiffness
• Improve balance
• Maintain independence
• Support overall joint health

Your chiropractor can recommend exercises that are safe and appropriate for your specific condition.

Is Chiropractic Care Safe for Arthritis?

For many people, yes—but every patient is different.

Before beginning treatment, Dr. James Ferraro performs a thorough evaluation to determine whether chiropractic care is appropriate. Some patients benefit from traditional chiropractic adjustments, while others may require gentler techniques, stretching, rehabilitation exercises, or a combination of therapies.

Patient safety always comes first.

When Should You Visit a Chiropractor?

Consider scheduling an evaluation if arthritis is causing:

• Ongoing neck or back pain
• Joint stiffness
• Difficulty moving comfortably
• Reduced flexibility
• Muscle tightness
• Pain that interferes with work, hobbies, or daily activities

The earlier movement limitations are addressed, the easier it may be to maintain an active lifestyle.

Let Concord Chiropractic Help You Move Better

Living with arthritis doesn't mean giving up the activities you enjoy. While chiropractic care cannot cure arthritis, it can be an important part of a comprehensive treatment plan designed to reduce pain, improve mobility, and help you stay active.

If arthritis is limiting your quality of life, Dr. James Ferraro and the team at Concord Chiropractic are here to help.

Concord Chiropractic
20A Trolley Square
Wilmington, DE 19806

Phone: (302) 656-2273

Schedule an appointment today to learn how personalized chiropractic care may help you move more comfortably and get back to doing the things you love.