Is your back or neck stiff when you get out of bed, or sore after a day of yard work or sitting at a desk? Arthritis in the spine is a common cause of these symptoms, especially after middle age. It happens when the small joints that connect the bones of your spine become worn or inflamed, making movement feel stiff, achy, and limited.
Our chiropractic team in North Hampton helps patients manage spinal arthritis with gentle, non-surgical care that may help reduce pain and improve how well the spine moves. Book a visit and let us help you find a plan that works for your body.
Gentle on Your Spine
Low-force techniques chosen with sensitive, arthritic joints in mind, so your care feels comfortable.
Less Stiffness
Care aimed at improving spinal motion so bending, turning, and getting out of bed may feel easier.
Long-Term Support
Exercises, posture habits, and supportive therapies to help you stay active and manage flare-ups.
Arthritis in your back does not have to mean giving up the things you enjoy. With gentle care and the right habits, many people find they can move more comfortably day to day.
Spinal Arthritis Treatment in the North Hampton Area
Many patients with spinal arthritis find relief with a mix of gentle adjustments, therapies such as SoftWave and laser therapy, and simple daily exercises. We tailor every plan to your exam, your history, and your goals. Book an appointment now to schedule a time with our team.
Each vertebra in your spine connects to the ones above and below it through small joints called facet joints. Like the joints in your knees or hands, they are lined with cartilage and can be affected by arthritis. Spinal arthritis is a general term for arthritis that involves these joints, and it most often affects the lower back and the neck.
The most common type is osteoarthritis, also called degenerative joint disease. Over time, the cartilage wears thin, the joint can become inflamed, and the body may form bone spurs. Spinal arthritis often goes hand in hand with degenerative disc disease, and in some people these changes narrow the spaces around the nerves, a condition called spinal stenosis.
Types of Arthritis That Affect the Spine
Osteoarthritis is wear-and-tear arthritis. It develops gradually and is the type we see most often in our office.
Inflammatory arthritis, such as ankylosing spondylitis or rheumatoid arthritis, is driven by the immune system. These conditions need care from a medical doctor, and chiropractic care may be used alongside that treatment only when it is appropriate.
For more on arthritis throughout the body, visit our arthritis page.
Signs of Spinal Arthritis
Back or neck stiffness that is worst in the morning and improves as you move
Aching pain that builds after long periods of standing, sitting, or activity
Reduced flexibility, such as difficulty turning your head or bending forward
Tenderness along the spine
Pain, tingling, or numbness in the arms or legs if bone spurs irritate a nearby nerve
How Chiropractic Care May Help
There is no cure for arthritis, but there is a lot that can help you feel and move better. Chiropractic care for spinal arthritis focuses on keeping the joints moving, calming irritated tissues, and building strength to support the spine. At our North Hampton office, your plan may include:
Gentle adjustments using low-force methods, including the instrument-assisted ProAdjuster, to help improve motion without forceful movements.
Spinal decompression when arthritis and disc changes in the lower back are adding pressure to the area.
Exercises, stretches, and posture tips to keep your spine flexible and supported at home and at work.
We start with a careful exam and, when needed, X-rays to understand your spine. If anything suggests inflammatory arthritis or another condition that needs medical care, we will let you know and help you find the right provider.
Spinal Arthritis Treatment in North Hampton
Dr. Mark Arsenault and Dr. Corey Kneeland help patients in North Hampton and nearby communities manage back and neck arthritis with gentle, natural care. If stiffness and aching are holding you back, we would love to help.
Spinal arthritis is arthritis in the small joints that connect the bones of the spine. It most often affects the lower back and neck, causing stiffness and aching. At Arsenault Family Chiropractic Center in North Hampton, NH, we help patients manage spinal arthritis with gentle, non-surgical care.
Can chiropractic care help arthritis in the back?
Chiropractic care cannot cure arthritis, but it may help reduce pain, ease stiffness, and improve how your spine moves. Dr. Mark Arsenault and Dr. Corey Kneeland combine gentle adjustments with supportive therapies and exercises.
Is chiropractic care safe if I have arthritis in my spine?
For most people with osteoarthritis of the spine, gentle chiropractic care is a reasonable option. We use low-force techniques and tailor every visit to your comfort, age, and health history after a thorough exam.
What helps spinal arthritis flare-ups at home?
Gentle movement, short walks, heat for stiffness, and the stretches we recommend may help during a flare-up. Try not to stay in one position for too long, and let us know if your symptoms change.
What is the difference between spinal arthritis and degenerative disc disease?
Spinal arthritis affects the small joints at the back of the spine, while degenerative disc disease affects the cushions between the vertebrae. The two often happen together, and our care plans address both when they are present.
