Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis And How Chiropractic Care May Help
Reviewed by: Dr. Steven Knauf, D.C.
By: Janett King
Your immune system is a powerful network designed to protect you from illness, identifying and neutralizing threats like bacteria, viruses, and other invaders. But what happens when this complex system goes awry? In rheumatoid arthritis (RA), this misguided attack targets your joints, leading to persistent inflammation, joint damage, and significant discomfort.
If you’re one of the approximately 1.5 million Americans living with RA, you know that managing this condition often requires a multifaceted approach. While medications, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes are key parts of treatment, many people are turning to chiropractic care for rheumatoid arthritis to help alleviate or manage symptoms and improve their quality of life.
What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disorder that primarily affects the synovium, the soft lining of your joints. When the immune system attacks this lining, inflammation occurs, causing the joint to swell, stiffen, and become painful. Over time, this inflammation can erode cartilage and bone, leading to deformities, reduced range of motion, and irreversible joint damage.
Symptoms of RA
RA can present in different ways, but certain symptoms are commonly experienced by many. Pain and swelling in multiple joints are typical, often beginning in the hands, wrists, or knees. One of the most noticeable signs of RA is morning stiffness, which can last longer than 30 minutes, making it hard to move or start the day. Symptoms often appear symmetrically, meaning both sides of the body are affected similarly. For example, if one hand or knee becomes swollen or painful, the other side typically experiences the same symptoms, often without any specific trigger. Along with joint pain, many people experience fatigue, sometimes accompanied by a low-grade fever. RA can lead to joint deformities in more advanced stages, limiting movement and function.
RA is a systemic condition that doesn't just target the joints. It can also affect organs like the heart, lungs, and eyes. People with RA are at a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, lung conditions, and even certain cancers, which is why early diagnosis and intervention are so important.
Who is at risk for developing RA?
Rheumatoid arthritis can develop at any age, though it is most commonly diagnosed in individuals between the ages of 30 and 60. Women are particularly at risk, with the likelihood of developing RA being up to three times higher than in men. While genetics play a significant role—meaning a family history of RA can increase susceptibility—lifestyle factors also contribute to the risk. Smoking, obesity, and prolonged exposure to environmental toxins have all been linked to a higher likelihood of developing the condition. Furthermore, certain infections or autoimmune responses may trigger RA in those who are genetically predisposed. Understanding these risk factors is crucial for early intervention and proactive management.
Chiropractic care for rheumatoid arthritis
Chiropractic care is a drug-free, hands-on healthcare approach emphasizing the relationship between the spine, nervous system, and overall bodily function. Chiropractic care works to optimize spinal alignment and mobility by utilizing precise spinal adjustments and manual therapies, which is crucial in how the nervous system communicates with the rest of the body. This focus on spinal health is vital for individuals with rheumatoid arthritis as it can affect both the joints and the immune system.
Restoring joint mobility
One of the most challenging symptoms of RA is joint stiffness, which can make everyday tasks like opening a jar or climbing stairs nearly impossible. Chiropractic adjustments may help to restore proper joint alignment, reduce restrictions in the spine and other joints, and improve mobility. By addressing these restrictions, chiropractors can help alleviate stiffness and promote freer movement, making it easier to carry out daily activities.
Supporting the nervous system
The spine houses the central nervous system, which controls virtually every function in the body. Misalignments in the spine, known as subluxations, can disrupt nerve communication, potentially exacerbating inflammation and pain associated with RA. Chiropractic care could help to correct these misalignments, ensuring optimal nervous system function. By restoring proper alignment, chiropractic treatment supports better communication between the brain and the body, promoting overall health and potentially reducing the inflammation and discomfort of RA.
Reducing pain and discomfort
Pain is one of the most debilitating aspects of RA, and finding effective relief is critical for improving quality of life. Chiropractic adjustments can help alleviate pain by improving joint function, reducing muscle tension, and increasing mobility. Many patients report feeling less discomfort and experiencing greater ease of movement after regular chiropractic visits, which can contribute significantly to their ability to manage the daily challenges of RA.
While chiropractic care does not aim to cure RA, it is a valuable tool in managing symptoms, reducing pain, and enhancing overall quality of life. Through gentle spinal adjustments and joint mobilizations, chiropractic treatment helps alleviate joint stiffness, reduce inflammation, and improve range of motion, which can be especially beneficial for individuals suffering from RA. Chiropractic care also may help enhance nervous system function, potentially boosting the body’s natural ability to manage pain and promote healing. Although it is not a replacement for medical treatment, chiropractic care acts as an effective complementary therapy, supporting patients with RA in managing their symptoms and maintaining a higher level of physical function.
The role of inflammation in RA
Inflammation is the driving force behind the symptoms and progression of rheumatoid arthritis. It’s more than just a localized response. It’s a systemic issue impacting your joints, muscles, and other organs. In RA, the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue, primarily the joints, leading to ongoing inflammation. This chronic inflammation is what causes the painful swelling, joint damage, and fatigue that many RA sufferers experience.
What makes inflammation in RA particularly challenging is its persistence. Unlike temporary inflammation caused by an injury or infection, the inflammation in RA doesn’t subside. In fact, over time, it can lead to significant joint deformities and long-term health complications. Managing this inflammation is key to preventing further damage and improving the quality of life for RA patients.
Chiropractic’s indirect role in addressing inflammation
While chiropractic care isn’t a direct treatment for the immune system’s misfiring in RA, it plays an important role in helping your body manage the effects of inflammation. Chiropractic adjustments work indirectly by focusing on the musculoskeletal system, particularly the spine and joints, helping to reduce stress and promote better body alignment.
The spine houses the central nervous system, which plays a major role in regulating inflammation. Spinal misalignments (subluxations) could interfere with the nervous system’s ability to manage inflammation properly. Chiropractic adjustments help correct these misalignments, supporting better nerve function and, in turn, may help modulate the body’s inflammatory response.
Furthermore, inflammation can be exacerbated by chronic stress, which is common in those dealing with a chronic condition like RA. For some, chiropractic care has been shown to help reduce stress by improving nervous system function. The calming effect of regular chiropractic adjustments may help reduce the production of stress hormones known to fuel inflammation.
Lastly, chiropractic care addresses mechanical stress on the body by improving joint function and mobility. When joints are stiff or misaligned, they put additional strain on surrounding tissues, worsening the inflammatory response. Chiropractic adjustments can help alleviate this strain, improving the overall function and movement of the joints and potentially reducing localized inflammation and discomfort.
As we mentioned previously, while chiropractic care isn't a cure for RA, it can be an effective complementary therapy, supporting your body’s ability to manage inflammation and improve overall health and function. Chiropractic care may help individuals with RA manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life by reducing mechanical stress, alleviating pain, and supporting nervous system function.
What to expect from chiropractic care
If you’re considering chiropractic care for RA, choosing a provider experienced in working with autoimmune conditions is important. Here’s what you can expect:
Comprehensive assessment
Your chiropractor will start by reviewing your medical history and symptoms. They’ll perform a physical exam to assess joint mobility, posture, and spinal alignment. This thorough evaluation helps them develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Gentle, targeted adjustments for RA
When managing rheumatoid arthritis, your doctor of chiropractic may use adjusting techniques and other modalities that effectively reduce pain while doing their best not to aggravate any current symptoms. This approach helps improve mobility without aggravating inflamed joints. The goal is to provide relief while minimizing stress on already-sensitive body areas.
Activator: One of the most commonly used tools in chiropractic care for RA is the Activator. This hand-held instrument delivers a precise, low-amplitude impulse to specific areas of the spine or joints. The Activator technique is particularly beneficial for patients with RA because it provides an accurate adjustment without the need for manual manipulation, which can sometimes be too intense for inflamed or sensitive joints.
The Activator’s force is calibrated to apply precise pressure to the affected areas, targeting misalignments without the twisting or pushing movements typically associated with traditional adjustments. This can be especially beneficial for patients who may have reduced joint mobility or experience discomfort from manual adjustments. By focusing on small, controlled impulses, the Activator helps improve spinal alignment, joint function, and nervous system communication, all of which can reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
Thompson Technique: The Thompson Technique incorporates a special chiropractic table with segmented drop pieces. These pieces gently drop when the chiropractor applies light pressure, allowing for a more subtle and low-force adjustment. This technique is useful for targeting specific areas of the spine or joints that require adjustment without applying too much pressure or causing unnecessary strain on the body.
Soft tissue therapy: Chiropractors also employ techniques such as myofascial release or trigger point therapy to relieve the muscle tension accompanying RA. Soft tissue therapies focus on relaxing the muscles and fascia around the inflamed joints, reducing tightness, and enhancing mobility. These techniques can complement spinal adjustments by addressing muscle stiffness and supporting healing.
Low-force manual adjustments: Traditional manual adjustments (sometimes called manual manipulations) may still be appropriate for some patients. However, chiropractors may modify their technique to use light pressure and avoid forceful movements. These adjustments can be used to realign the spine, improve joint function, and relieve pressure on the affected joints. The chiropractor may adjust their technique depending on how inflamed the joints are and whether the patient is experiencing a flare-up of RA symptoms.
Focus on extremities
In addition to the spine, chiropractors may work on other joints commonly affected by RA, such as your hands, wrists, knees, and ankles. These adjustments aim to help improve alignment, reduce stiffness, and enhance range of motion.
The science behind treating RA with chiropractic care
The relationship between chiropractic care and rheumatoid arthritis is a developing study area. While the research isn’t exhaustive, early findings offer intriguing insights into how chiropractic adjustments may positively affect people living with RA.
One noteworthy case study published in the Journal of Chiropractic Medicine followed a patient diagnosed with RA who was experiencing chronic pain and severe stiffness. The patient received targeted chiropractic care focusing on gentle, low-force spinal and extremity adjustments. Over several weeks, the patient reported a marked improvement in their ability to perform daily activities and reduced joint pain and stiffness. While this is just one case, it highlights the potential for chiropractic care to provide significant relief when carefully tailored to the needs of RA patients.
The physiological mechanisms behind this relief are tied to the nervous system’s role in inflammation and pain perception. The spine serves as the body’s communication highway, and misalignments in the vertebrae, known as subluxations, can disrupt the nervous system’s efficiency. Chiropractic adjustments aim to restore these misalignments, potentially optimizing nerve function and reducing the body’s stress response. Chronic stress, after all, is a key player in inflammatory conditions like RA, and lowering stress may help mitigate inflammatory flare-ups.
Additional research published in Manual Therapy explores the broader impact of spinal adjustments on overall nervous system health. By improving the spine's alignment and enhancing neural communication, chiropractic care may influence the autonomic nervous system, which regulates inflammation and immune responses. This connection is particularly relevant for RA, as the immune system’s overactivity is at the heart of the condition.
A review in Clinical Rheumatology investigated the role of complementary therapies, including chiropractic care, in managing RA symptoms. While not a primary treatment, chiropractic care was noted as a valuable adjunct to traditional medical approaches. Patients reported reductions in pain and stiffness and improved sense of well-being. These outcomes align with the holistic approach of chiropractic care, which seeks to treat the whole person rather than just individual symptoms.
Beyond inflammation, chiropractic care may also address RA's mechanical stress on the joints. As joint pain and stiffness limit movement, the surrounding muscles often become tight and overworked, exacerbating discomfort. Chiropractic adjustments and soft tissue therapies can alleviate this muscle tension, offering a twofold benefit: improved mobility and reduced secondary pain.
The science behind chiropractic care and RA continues to evolve. Still, the emerging narrative is clear—while not a cure for RA, chiropractic care may play a meaningful role in managing its symptoms. By supporting nervous system function, reducing mechanical stress, and promoting a sense of balance in the body, chiropractic care offers a complementary avenue for patients seeking relief and improved quality of life.
Common misconceptions about chiropractic care for RA
It’s natural to question whether chiropractic care is safe and effective for rheumatoid arthritis. Let’s address some common misconceptions:
“Chiropractic adjustments are too forceful for RA patients.”
Chiropractors use techniques tailored to your condition. For RA patients, adjustments are precise, focusing on effectiveness while attempting to reduce discomfort.
“Chiropractic care replaces medical treatment for RA.”
Chiropractic care is a complementary therapy, not a substitute for medical treatment. It works best when integrated into a comprehensive care plan that may or may not include medication, physical therapy, and healthy lifestyle choices.
“Chiropractic care is only for back and neck pain.”
While chiropractic care is well-known for treating back pain, it also addresses joint issues throughout the body, making it a valuable option for RA patients.
Lifestyle tips for managing RA
Chiropractic care works best when combined with healthy lifestyle habits. Here are some evidence-based strategies to support your RA management:
- Stay as active as possible: Regular exercise is essential for maintaining joint mobility and overall health. Low-impact activities like swimming, walking, and yoga can help reduce stiffness and improve flexibility.
- Prioritize nutrition: An anti-inflammatory diet can play a significant role in managing RA. Focus on foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids (like salmon and walnuts), antioxidants (like berries and spinach), and fiber (like whole grains and legumes). Limit processed foods, sugar, and saturated fats, which can exacerbate inflammation.
- Get quality sleep: Fatigue is a common symptom of RA, and poor sleep can worsen it. Create a relaxing bedtime routine, keep your bedroom cool and dark, and avoid caffeine or screen time before bed to improve your sleep quality.
- Manage stress: Chronic stress can worsen inflammation and trigger RA flares. Incorporate stress-relief techniques like meditation, deep breathing, and progressive muscle relaxation into your daily routine.
Living with rheumatoid arthritis: Reclaiming your independence
Rheumatoid arthritis can feel like a constant battle. One that impacts your joints and your ability to live freely and independently. For many people, especially seniors, the pain and stiffness from RA can make even the simplest tasks feel out of reach. Everyday activities like bending down to tie your shoes, walking the dog, or lifting your grandbaby might become daunting. It’s frustrating to feel limited in ways that hold you back from the life you want to live.
For seniors, in particular, the loss of independence is one of the most challenging aspects of RA. After all, no one wants to rely on others to do what they’ve always done for themselves. Whether it's staying active, enjoying hobbies, or simply moving without discomfort, the limitations of RA can affect your confidence and ability to live fully.
That’s where chiropractic care comes in. We believe freedom and movement are key to living life on your terms. We focus on restoring mobility, reducing pain, and improving overall function. Through spinal adjustments and joint mobilizations, chiropractors seek to relieve stiffness and inflammation so you can move freely and feel like yourself again.
The goal is to break down the barriers that RA puts up and help you rediscover the independence you deserve. We know how important it is to live how you want, and chiropractic care could be a powerful tool in helping you manage RA and get back to doing what you love. Whether spending time with family, enjoying a hobby, or moving without pain, The Joint Chiropractic is here to help you live a more active, independent life without limits.
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