Arthritis is one of the most common causes of joint pain and stiffness, affecting millions of people worldwide. While it is often associated with ageing, arthritis can affect adults of all ages and may develop due to injury, autoimmune conditions, genetics, or long-term stress on the joints.
Many people believe arthritis is simply a normal part of getting older or that it only affects the knees and hands. In reality, arthritis is a broad term that describes more than 100 different conditions affecting the joints. It can develop in almost any joint, including the neck, back, shoulders, hips, knees, hands, and feet.
Although arthritis cannot always be cured, the good news is that many people can successfully manage their symptoms and continue living an active lifestyle. With the right combination of treatment, exercise, and healthy lifestyle habits, it is often possible to reduce pain, improve mobility, and maintain joint function.
In this guide, we’ll explain the different types of arthritis, their common symptoms and causes, and how chiropractic care may help you manage arthritis safely and effectively.
Arthritis simply means inflammation of one or more joints. However, it is not a single disease. Instead, it is an umbrella term used to describe a group of conditions that affect the joints and surrounding tissues.
Healthy joints are covered by smooth cartilage that allows bones to glide over each other with minimal friction. They are also supported by muscles, ligaments, tendons, and lubricated by synovial fluid to help movement remain smooth and comfortable.
When arthritis develops, these structures may become worn, inflamed, or damaged. As a result, the affected joint may become painful, stiff, swollen, and more difficult to move.
Symptoms vary depending on the type of arthritis, but commonly include:
Arthritis can affect almost any joint in the body, but it most commonly involves the:
Some people develop symptoms gradually over many years, while others experience periods where symptoms become more noticeable, often known as flare-ups.
Not all arthritis is the same. Different types have different causes, symptoms, and treatment approaches.
Osteoarthritis is by far the most common type of arthritis, accounting for the majority of arthritis cases.
Often referred to as wear-and-tear arthritis or degenerative joint disease, osteoarthritis develops when the cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones gradually becomes thinner over time. As the protective cartilage wears down, the joint becomes less able to absorb everyday forces, which can lead to pain, stiffness, and reduced movement.
Osteoarthritis commonly affects the:
Although ageing increases the risk, osteoarthritis is not simply an inevitable part of getting older. Previous injuries, repetitive joint stress, excess body weight, poor joint mechanics, and muscle weakness can all contribute to its development.
Rheumatoid arthritis is very different from osteoarthritis.
It is an autoimmune condition, meaning the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the joints instead of protecting them. This ongoing inflammation can damage cartilage, bone, ligaments, and tendons if left untreated.
Unlike osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis often affects the same joints on both sides of the body, particularly the hands, wrists, and feet. People may also experience fatigue, prolonged morning stiffness, and other symptoms affecting the eyes, lungs, or other organs.
Because rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic inflammatory condition, it requires medical management by a rheumatologist. Chiropractic care may help improve mobility and manage musculoskeletal symptoms when appropriate, but it should complement—not replace—medical treatment.
There are many other forms of arthritis, including:
Each has its own causes and treatment approach, making an accurate diagnosis essential before beginning any treatment.
The causes of arthritis vary depending on the type, but several factors are known to increase the risk of developing joint problems over time.
Common risk factors include:
As we age, cartilage gradually becomes thinner and less resilient. The joints also become less efficient at repairing everyday wear and tear.
A previous sports injury, fracture, ligament tear, or significant joint trauma can increase the likelihood of developing arthritis later in life.
Occupations or activities involving frequent lifting, kneeling, squatting, repetitive hand movements, or prolonged standing may place additional stress on the joints over many years.
Carrying excess body weight places greater pressure on weight-bearing joints such as the knees, hips, and lower back. Even modest weight loss can significantly reduce joint loading and improve symptoms.
Some people inherit genes that make them more susceptible to developing certain types of arthritis.
Inflammatory arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, develops because the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy joint tissues.
Poor posture, muscle weakness, and abnormal movement patterns can increase uneven loading across the joints. Over time, this may contribute to increased joint stress and discomfort.
Arthritis affects everyone differently. Some people experience only occasional stiffness, while others find that pain and reduced mobility begin to interfere with their daily activities.
Common symptoms include:
People with inflammatory arthritis may also experience prolonged morning stiffness, fatigue, or swelling affecting multiple joints at the same time.
Joint pain is common, but persistent or severe symptoms should not be ignored.
Seek medical assessment if you experience:
Early diagnosis is important because different types of arthritis require different treatment approaches. Identifying the cause early can help reduce symptoms, slow progression where possible, and allow you to receive the most appropriate care.
When people think of arthritis, they often picture painful knees or swollen fingers. However, arthritis can also affect the spine, particularly the neck (cervical spine) and lower back (lumbar spine).
The spine is made up of multiple joints called facet joints, which allow you to bend, twist, and move comfortably. Like any other joint in the body, these joints can gradually wear down over time.
As arthritis develops, changes may include:
These changes can make everyday movements uncomfortable and may lead to stiffness, especially after prolonged sitting or first thing in the morning.
People with arthritis affecting the spine may experience:
It’s important to remember that not all back or neck pain is caused by arthritis. A thorough assessment is needed to determine whether arthritis is the primary cause of your symptoms or simply one of several contributing factors.
Before beginning treatment, it is important to understand what type of arthritis you have, how advanced it is, and whether chiropractic care is appropriate for your condition.
Your chiropractor will carry out a comprehensive assessment that may include:
Your chiropractor will ask about:
This helps determine whether your symptoms are more consistent with osteoarthritis, inflammatory arthritis, or another musculoskeletal condition.
A physical examination may include assessing:
These findings help identify which joints are contributing to your symptoms and whether there are muscle imbalances or movement restrictions that can be addressed.
Not everyone requires imaging.
However, X-rays can provide valuable information about joint space narrowing, bone spurs, spinal alignment, and other degenerative changes. In some cases, additional imaging such as an MRI or referral to another healthcare professional may be recommended if inflammatory arthritis or another underlying condition is suspected.
One of the most common questions we hear is:
“Can a chiropractor treat arthritis?”
The answer depends on the type of arthritis.
Chiropractic care cannot cure arthritis or regenerate damaged cartilage. However, for many people—particularly those with osteoarthritis or spinal arthritis—it may help reduce pain, improve joint mobility, and support better movement as part of a comprehensive management plan.
Treatment is always tailored to your individual condition, symptoms, and goals.
Arthritic joints often become stiff because of changes within the joint itself and reduced movement over time.
When appropriate, gentle joint mobilisation or carefully selected spinal adjustments may help improve joint movement, reduce stiffness, and make everyday activities more comfortable.
Treatment techniques are always modified according to your age, overall health, and the severity of your arthritis.
Pain often causes the surrounding muscles to tighten in an attempt to protect the affected joint.
Depending on your condition, treatment may include:
Reducing muscle tension can improve comfort and help restore more natural movement.
Pain relief is only one part of managing arthritis.
Improving the strength of the muscles surrounding an affected joint helps reduce the load placed on the joint itself and supports better long-term function.
Your chiropractor may prescribe exercises to improve:
The exercises recommended will depend on your symptoms, fitness level, and the joints involved.
Managing arthritis extends beyond treatment in the clinic.
You may receive advice on:
These small changes can have a significant impact on reducing stress placed on painful joints.
At First Fruits Chiropractic, we understand that arthritis is a long-term condition, not a problem that can be “fixed” in one treatment.
Rather than focusing solely on pain relief, our goal is to help you move more comfortably, maintain your independence, and continue doing the activities you enjoy.
Treatment is always individualised. Some patients benefit from gentle spinal or joint mobilisation, while others require a greater emphasis on soft tissue therapy, exercise rehabilitation, and movement education. Every treatment plan is guided by your assessment findings and adjusted according to your progress.
Current clinical guidelines recommend exercise, education, and self-management as the foundation of arthritis care.
Research suggests that, for people with osteoarthritis, manual therapy—including chiropractic care—may help reduce pain and improve joint mobility when combined with strengthening exercises and an active lifestyle.
The best outcomes are typically achieved through a combination of:
It is important to note that inflammatory arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, requires ongoing medical management. Chiropractic care should complement—not replace—the care provided by your doctor or rheumatologist.
While professional care can help, the choices you make each day also play an important role in managing arthritis.
Regular movement helps lubricate the joints, reduce stiffness, and maintain muscle strength.
Low-impact activities such as walking, swimming, cycling, Tai Chi, or yoga are often well tolerated and can help improve overall joint health.
Strong muscles help absorb forces that would otherwise be placed directly on your joints.
A gradual strengthening programme can improve stability, reduce discomfort, and make daily activities easier.
Excess body weight places additional stress on weight-bearing joints, particularly the knees, hips, and lower back.
Even modest weight loss may reduce joint loading and improve symptoms.
Heat can help relax tight muscles and reduce stiffness, while cold packs may be useful during flare-ups to reduce swelling and temporarily relieve pain.
If you work at a desk:
Remember, movement throughout the day is often more beneficial than trying to maintain one “perfect” posture.
Although arthritis cannot always be prevented, there are many steps you can take to reduce joint pain, maintain mobility, and slow the progression of symptoms. The goal isn’t simply to manage flare-ups—it’s to keep your joints healthy and help you stay active for as long as possible.
Regular movement is one of the best ways to keep your joints healthy. Exercise helps lubricate the joints, strengthen the surrounding muscles, improve flexibility, and reduce stiffness.
Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each week, choosing activities that you enjoy and can perform consistently.
Strong muscles provide better support for your joints and help absorb forces during everyday activities.
Simple strengthening exercises performed regularly can improve stability, reduce pain, and make daily tasks easier.
Small changes to how you move can reduce unnecessary stress on your joints.
Try to:
Excess body weight places additional stress on the knees, hips, feet, and lower back. Maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce joint loading and improve both pain and mobility.
Arthritis is a long-term condition that often requires ongoing management. Staying consistent with your exercise programme, home advice, and follow-up appointments can help you maintain joint function and reduce future flare-ups.
Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for most types of arthritis. However, many people successfully manage their symptoms through a combination of exercise, lifestyle changes, appropriate medical care, and conservative treatments that help improve joint function and reduce pain.
Yes. Regular exercise is one of the most effective ways to manage arthritis. It helps reduce stiffness, strengthen the muscles supporting your joints, improve flexibility, and maintain independence.
The key is choosing exercises that are appropriate for your condition and progressing gradually.
In many cases, yes. Gentle movement is often more beneficial than prolonged rest. While it’s normal to experience some discomfort when starting an exercise programme, persistent or severe pain should be assessed by a healthcare professional.
For many people with osteoarthritis or spinal arthritis, chiropractic care may help improve joint mobility, reduce muscle tension, and improve overall function as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
However, chiropractic care does not cure arthritis or reverse cartilage loss. People with inflammatory arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, should continue receiving appropriate medical care from their doctor or rheumatologist.
In many cases, yes. Before treatment begins, your chiropractor will perform a thorough assessment to determine whether chiropractic care is appropriate.
Treatment techniques are modified according to your condition, age, and the severity of your arthritis. For some patients, gentle mobilisation and soft tissue therapy may be more suitable than traditional spinal adjustments.
There is no standard number of treatments.
The recommended care plan depends on factors such as:
As your symptoms improve, your treatment plan should be reviewed and adjusted based on your progress.
Arthritis is one of the most common causes of joint pain and stiffness, but it doesn’t have to stop you from living an active and fulfilling life.
Although arthritis cannot usually be cured, the right combination of treatment, regular exercise, healthy lifestyle habits, and ongoing self-management can help reduce pain, improve mobility, and maintain your independence.
At First Fruits Chiropractic, our focus is not simply on relieving pain. We aim to help you move more comfortably, improve joint function, and support your long-term musculoskeletal health through personalised care tailored to your individual needs. Depending on your condition, your treatment plan may include gentle joint mobilisation, soft tissue therapy, rehabilitation exercises, and practical advice to help you better manage arthritis in your daily life.
If joint pain or stiffness is affecting your work, exercise, or everyday activities, an early assessment can help identify the underlying cause and determine the most appropriate treatment options.
With the right diagnosis, personalised care, and commitment to healthy movement, many people with arthritis can continue doing the activities they enjoy while maintaining their mobility and quality of life.
