This is a question chiropractors hear frequently:
Can chiropractic help prevent arthritis?
The answer is: sometimes, yes.
The word “arthritis” comes from two Greek roots: “arth” meaning joint and “itis” meaning inflammation. In other words, arthritis simply means inflammation within a joint.
More than 100 different forms of arthritis have been identified. The most common form is osteoarthritis, which is often described as the gradual wearing out of a joint over time.
Osteoarthritis becomes more common with age, but it can also occur earlier because of injury, poor movement patterns, abnormal stress on a joint, or previous surgery.
This is where chiropractic may help.
When a spinal joint becomes fixated, restricted, or “stuck,” the normal mechanics of the spine are altered. As a result, the joints above and below must work harder and often wear out more quickly.
A good example is what happens after two or three vertebrae are fused together, either because of surgery or a congenital condition. The levels above and below the fusion often develop arthritis sooner because they are forced to absorb more stress and motion.
By restoring better motion and alignment to the spine, chiropractic may help reduce abnormal wear and tear on nearby joints.
That does not mean chiropractic can prevent every form of arthritis. Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout, pseudo gout, ankylosing spondylitis, and juvenile arthritis involve different processes and often require medical management as well.
However, in cases where poor movement, abnormal posture, or mechanical stress contribute to joint wear, chiropractic may play an important role in slowing or reducing that process.
Lifestyle choices matter too.
Regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, improving posture, using braces or supports when appropriate, and following an anti-inflammatory diet can all help support healthier joints.
