Chiropractic and Acupuncture for Arthritis: Evidence-Based Approaches to Pain Relief

Arthritis, a common and often debilitating condition affecting millions worldwide, can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life. With conventional treatments sometimes falling short in managing pain and improving mobility, many individuals with arthritis are seeking alternative therapies such as chiropractic care and acupuncture.

What Is Arthritis?

Arthritis refers to a group of inflammatory diseases that affect the joints, causing pain, stiffness, swelling, and sometimes deformities. The most common types are osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Osteoarthritis is primarily a degenerative joint disease caused by the breakdown of cartilage, leading to joint pain and stiffness.

Rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune condition, involves inflammation of the synovial membrane, leading to joint damage and pain.

Both conditions can result in reduced function and mobility, affecting daily activities and overall well-being.

Chiropractic Care for Arthritis

Chiropractic care focuses on diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal disorders, primarily through spinal manipulation (also called adjustments) and other manual therapies. For arthritis patients, particularly those with osteoarthritis, chiropractic care may offer several benefits:

1. Pain Relief Through Spinal Manipulation

One of the key chiropractic treatments is spinal manipulation or adjustments, which aim to improve spinal function and alleviate discomfort. While this treatment is most commonly associated with back and neck pain, research suggests that it can also benefit those suffering from arthritis, particularly cervical (neck) and lumbar (lower back) osteoarthritis.

Evidence: A 2017 study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found that spinal manipulation significantly reduced pain and improved mobility in patients with chronic low back pain, a common symptom of osteoarthritis. Another review in The Clinical Journal of Pain found that chiropractic spinal manipulations provided short-term relief for OA-related pain.

2. Improved Joint Mobility

In OA, joint stiffness is a hallmark symptom. Chiropractic care uses mobilizations (gentle movement techniques) to improve the range of motion in the affected joints. This can help reduce stiffness, improve flexibility, and enhance function.

Evidence: A 2018 meta-analysis published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found moderate evidence that chiropractic care improved joint mobility and reduced pain for OA patients.

3. Holistic Approach to Arthritis Management

Chiropractors also often recommend exercises, ergonomic modifications, and nutritional advice to help manage arthritis. By addressing the body as a whole, chiropractic care seeks to improve overall function and alleviate secondary conditions related to arthritis, such as poor posture or muscular imbalances.

Evidence: A systematic review published in BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies suggested that exercise therapy and lifestyle interventions alongside spinal manipulations offered significant improvements in pain reduction and quality of life for individuals with OA.

Acupuncture for Arthritis

Acupuncture, a component of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate the nervous system and promote the body’s natural healing process. For arthritis, acupuncture has gained recognition as an adjunctive therapy, particularly in reducing pain and inflammation.

1. Pain Management

The primary benefit of acupuncture for arthritis patients is pain relief. Acupuncture stimulates the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers, and can modulate pain pathways within the nervous system.

Evidence: A 2017 meta-analysis in Annals of Internal Medicine found that acupuncture significantly reduced pain and improved function in patients with knee osteoarthritis. The study concluded that acupuncture was more effective than no treatment and was comparable to other therapies like physical therapy or medication.

2. Reduction of Inflammation

Acupuncture may help reduce inflammation, a central component of arthritis, particularly in autoimmune forms like rheumatoid arthritis. By stimulating specific acupuncture points, the body’s immune response and inflammatory pathways can be modulated.

Evidence: A 2020 systematic review published in PLOS ONE concluded that acupuncture can reduce inflammation markers and improve pain in rheumatoid arthritis patients. Another study in The Journal of Rheumatology found that acupuncture treatments helped reduce the severity of RA symptoms by affecting pro-inflammatory cytokines.

3. Improved Function and Mobility

Beyond pain relief, acupuncture can help improve joint function, reduce stiffness, and enhance mobility. For arthritis sufferers, this can translate into better daily functioning and quality of life.

Evidence: A randomized controlled trial published in Acupuncture in Medicine found that acupuncture significantly improved joint function in patients with knee OA, especially when combined with conventional treatments. The improvements were evident both in the short and long term.

Combining Chiropractic and Acupuncture for Arthritis

The combination of chiropractic care and acupuncture may offer a synergistic approach to arthritis treatment, addressing multiple facets of the condition simultaneously. Chiropractic care can improve joint mobility and spinal function, while acupuncture can focus on pain reduction, inflammation, and overall well-being.

Evidence: A 2019 study published in BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies reviewed combined chiropractic and acupuncture treatments for chronic musculoskeletal pain and found that patients experienced greater pain relief and improved mobility compared to those receiving only one form of treatment. This combination approach can be especially useful for managing complex or widespread arthritis pain.

Safety Considerations and Professional Guidance

Both chiropractic care and acupuncture are generally considered safe when performed by qualified practitioners. However, as with any medical treatment, it’s essential to consult with your healthcare provider before starting either therapy, particularly if you have severe arthritis or other underlying health conditions.

Chiropractic care should be avoided in certain cases, such as if you have advanced osteoarthritis or specific conditions like osteoporosis or spinal fractures. Chiropractors are trained to evaluate these risks and tailor treatments accordingly.

Acupuncture should also be performed by a licensed acupuncturist to ensure safety and efficacy. While acupuncture is relatively low-risk, it is important to inform your acupuncturist about your arthritis condition and any medications you are taking to avoid interactions.