Spinal Arthritis Treatment in Joondalup and Perth's Northern Suburbs
Stiffness, aching joints, and a back that takes time to warm up in the morning are hallmarks of spinal arthritis. Here's how chiropractic care can help.
What Is Spinal Arthritis?
Spinal arthritis, also called spinal osteoarthritis or spondylosis, is the gradual wear and degeneration of the facet joints at the back of each spinal segment.
These joints bear a significant load throughout your life. Over time, their cartilage thins, joint surfaces change, and bony outgrowths can develop.
It is one of the most common spinal conditions in adults over 50, and its prevalence increases steadily with age.
Many people in Joondalup and Perth's northern suburbs live with varying degrees of spinal arthritis without realising the diagnosis, attributing their symptoms to general ageing.
Symptoms
Spinal arthritis commonly causes a deep ache and stiffness that is most noticeable in the morning or after periods of inactivity.
- Deep, aching pain in the lower back or neck
- Stiffness that is worse in the morning
- Increased stiffness after periods of inactivity
- Symptoms that gradually loosen with movement
- Grinding or pressure sensations
- Pain that may refer into the buttocks or thighs
- Grinding or clicking sensations with movement
- Tingling, numbness, or weakness in the legs if nearby nerve roots are compressed
What the Research Shows
Evidence supports movement-based care, exercise, and conservative approaches for persistent spinal conditions.
- A 2011 Cochrane review by Rubinstein et al. (2011) found that spinal manipulative therapy produces short-term improvements in pain and function in people with chronic low back pain, with results comparable to other established treatments.
- Hartvigsen et al. (2018) , writing in The Lancet, described low back pain as the leading cause of disability worldwide and highlighted that active, movement-based care and exercise are the approaches most supported by evidence for people living with persistent spinal conditions.
- A systematic review by Brinjikji et al. (2015) found that degenerative spinal changes on imaging are present in a large proportion of pain-free adults and increase steadily with age.
- This is a useful reminder that imaging findings do not always predict symptoms, and that the goal of care is improved function, not a perfect scan.
How Chiropractic Care Can Help
At Lakeside Chiropractic in Joondalup, we work with patients living with spinal arthritis to improve joint movement, reduce muscular tension around arthritic joints, and support a more comfortable, active daily life.
We do not reverse arthritic changes, but a well-designed care plan can make a meaningful difference to how the condition affects you day to day.
Muscles around arthritic joints often work harder to compensate and become chronically tight. Hands-on soft tissue work relieves this tension and can improve comfort and range of motion.
This gentle, low-load technique rhythmically moves the spine into flexion on a specialised table. It is particularly well suited to arthritic spines where firmer techniques may not be appropriate.
Fine needles are placed into tight or trigger-point muscles to reduce pain and restore normal muscle function around the arthritic segments.
We prescribe specific exercises to improve joint stability, maintain mobility, and build the muscular support that arthritic joints rely on.
Staying active is one of the most evidence-supported approaches for managing spinal arthritis.
Low-level laser therapy is used to help reduce inflammation in and around arthritic joints.
Learn more about Cold Laser Therapy or visit Cold Laser Perth .
What to Expect at Lakeside Chiropractic
We begin with a thorough assessment to understand your history, the pattern of your symptoms, and what activities are most affected.
Any relevant imaging you already have can be reviewed. We then build a care plan that is realistic and specific to your situation.
If spinal stiffness and aching are affecting your daily life, we would be glad to help you move and feel better.
Serving Perth's Northern Suburbs
We see patients from across Joondalup, Currambine, Woodvale, Kingsley, Duncraig, Wanneroo, and the surrounding northern suburbs.
Disclaimer: This page provides general health information only and is not a substitute for professional assessment, diagnosis, or treatment. Results vary between individuals. Please consult a qualified health professional to discuss your individual circumstances.
References
- Rubinstein SM, et al. Spinal manipulative therapy for chronic low-back pain. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2011;2:CD008112. PMID 21328304
- Hartvigsen J, et al. What low back pain is and why we need to pay attention. Lancet. 2018;391(10137):2356-2367. PMID 29573870
- Brinjikji W, et al. Systematic literature review of imaging features of spinal degeneration in asymptomatic populations. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol. 2015;36(4):811-816. PMID 25430861
Location Details
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Sunday | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM |
| Monday | 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Thursday | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Friday | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Saturday | 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM |
