Spinal Arthritis
Spinal arthritis is the gradual wear and inflammation of the joints in your spine, often caused by aging, past injuries, or long-term stress on the back and neck. It can lead to stiffness, soreness, and reduced mobility, making daily activities like standing, bending, or turning your head feel harder. At KIRO, our chiropractors focus on restoring joint motion, reducing inflammation, and strengthening the spine so you can move with less pain and stay active longer.
Why does spinal arthritis occur?
Spinal arthritis happens when the cartilage that cushions the spinal joints wears down over time. Aging, repetitive stress, poor posture, old injuries, and genetics can speed up this breakdown. As the protective cartilage thins, the joints become inflamed and stiff, sometimes forming bone spurs that further limit motion and cause pain.
What are the common symptoms of spinal arthritis?
Spinal arthritis often causes stiffness and aching in the neck or lower back, especially after rest or in the morning. Many people notice reduced flexibility, grinding or popping sounds with movement, and pain that worsens with long periods of standing or activity. In some cases, nerve irritation can lead to numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms or legs.
Who is most at risk of spinal arthritis?
Spinal arthritis is more common in adults over 50 but can affect younger people with certain risk factors. Those with past spinal injuries, heavy physical work, or repetitive lifting are more vulnerable. Poor posture, obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, and a family history of arthritis also increase the likelihood of developing spinal arthritis.
How do KIRO doctors treat spinal arthritis?
At KIRO, we begin with a thorough exam and a Nervous System Scan to understand how arthritis is affecting your spine and mobility. In the early symptomatic phase, we typically recommend two visits per week to reduce pain and stiffness. Treatment includes gentle chiropractic adjustments to restore joint motion, reduce inflammation, and improve alignment.
As you transition to the corrective phase, we usually shift to weekly visits, adding mobility work, posture training, and strengthening exercises to stabilize the spine and support long-term comfort. Over time, most patients move into the preventive phase, where periodic care helps maintain motion and avoid flare-ups.
We track your progress with monthly Nervous System Scans and update your plan as needed. Throughout your care, multiple doctors review your case, providing fresh insights and the highest level of clinical expertise.
How long does treatment take?
Most patients with spinal arthritis feel relief and better mobility within 4–6 weeks of consistent care. The corrective phase usually takes another 6–8 weeks to rebuild stability and posture endurance. In total, about three months of care is common for long-term improvement. Many patients choose periodic maintenance visits afterward to manage stiffness and prevent flare-ups.
What are the benefits of chiropractic care for spinal arthritis?
Benefits of chiropractic care for spinal arthritis include:
Reduced pain and stiffness in the spine
Improved flexibility and range of motion
Better posture and spinal alignment
Decreased nerve irritation and numbness
Support for daily activities and long-term mobility
Non-drug, non-surgical relief options
Ongoing prevention of flare-ups through maintenance care
FAQs
Is arthritis the same as stenosis?
No. Arthritis refers to joint inflammation and cartilage wear in the spine, while stenosis means the spinal canal or nerve openings have narrowed. Arthritis can sometimes lead to stenosis by creating bone spurs or swelling that press on nerves, but they are not the same condition.
Will exercising wear my spine out faster?
No. The right type of exercise actually helps protect your spine by strengthening muscles, improving flexibility, and supporting healthy joint motion. High-impact or poorly performed movements can irritate arthritis, but guided strengthening, stretching, and low-impact activities like walking are safe and often reduce pain.
Are chiropractic adjustments safe for arthritis?
Yes. Chiropractic adjustments are generally safe for people with spinal arthritis when performed by trained professionals. At KIRO, doctors use gentle, controlled techniques tailored to your condition to restore motion, reduce stiffness, and relieve pain without stressing arthritic joints.
Why do I feel worse in the morning with arthritis?
Arthritis pain often feels worse in the morning because your joints stiffen overnight when you’re not moving. Fluid builds up in the joints and tissues tighten while you sleep, making your spine feel achy and hard to move at first. Gentle stretching and movement after waking usually help reduce the stiffness.
Do supplements help with arthritis?
Some supplements may support joint health and reduce inflammation in spinal arthritis. Options like omega-3 fatty acids, turmeric (curcumin), glucosamine, and chondroitin can help some people manage stiffness and discomfort. However, results vary, and it’s best to talk with your healthcare provider before starting any supplement plan.
Should I avoid bending or twisting if I have arthritis?
You don’t need to avoid bending or twisting completely, but you should move with control and good mechanics. Sudden or heavy twisting can irritate arthritic joints, while gentle, guided movement helps keep the spine flexible. Our chiropractors can show you safe ways to bend, lift, and rotate to protect your back.
Will I always have pain if I have arthritis?
Not necessarily. While arthritis is a long-term condition, pain levels can be managed and often reduced with the right care. Chiropractic adjustments, exercise, posture changes, and healthy habits can restore mobility, decrease inflammation, and keep symptoms mild or barely noticeable for many people.
Can I travel if I have arthritis?
Yes, most people with arthritis can travel safely with a few adjustments. Plan to move and stretch during long trips, use supportive seating or cushions, and pack any braces or heat packs you find helpful. Staying active and maintaining your care routine before and after travel can help prevent stiffness and flare-ups.
Do I need imaging or X-ray for arthritis?
Not always. Many cases of spinal arthritis can be diagnosed through a physical exam and medical history. X-rays or other imaging are usually recommended only if symptoms are severe, worsening, or suggest nerve compression or other underlying issues. Our chiropractors will let you know if imaging is needed.
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