Arthritis Care

Arthritis is something a lot of my patients deal with, especially here in Tucson where we have a large community of active adults who don't want joint pain slowing them down. If you've been told you have arthritis and are looking for ways to manage the pain without relying entirely on medication, chiropractic care can be an important part of your plan.

Understanding Arthritis

Arthritis isn't a single disease — it's a general term for joint inflammation that covers over 100 different conditions. The two most common types I see in my practice are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis is the "wear and tear" kind, where the cartilage that cushions your joints breaks down over time. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition where the body's immune system attacks the joint lining.

Regardless of the type, the result is similar: joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced range of motion. In the spine, arthritis can lead to bone spurs, disc degeneration, and pinched nerves. Many of my patients describe a deep aching in their joints, stiffness that's worst in the morning, and a gradual loss of flexibility that makes everyday activities harder.

How Chiropractic Care Supports Arthritis Management

I'm not going to tell you that chiropractic adjustments cure arthritis — they don't. But what they can do is keep your joints moving better, reduce the stiffness, and help your body manage the condition more comfortably. When joints affected by arthritis lose their normal range of motion, the surrounding muscles and tissues compensate, which can create pain in areas that aren't even arthritic.

My approach with arthritis patients is especially gentle. The Activator method is ideal here because it delivers a precise, low-force impulse that improves joint mobility without putting excessive stress on inflamed tissues. I also use the Thompson drop table for spinal arthritis, which allows for effective adjustments with minimal force and maximum comfort.

Beyond adjustments, I help patients develop movement routines that keep their joints active without overdoing it. Staying mobile is actually one of the best things you can do for arthritis — the key is finding the right balance. I'll work with you to figure out what activities help and which ones might be aggravating your symptoms.

If arthritis is limiting your life, come talk to us. Walk in at our Speedway or Oro Valley location, or call (520) 319-1234.