Joint Pain Is More Common Than You Think
Joint Pain Is More Common Than You ThinkJoint pain affects millions of people across the UK. Whether it’s a niggling ache in your knee, stiffness in your hips first thing in the morning or a sharp twinge in your shoulder when you reach for something, joint pain has a way of making even ordinary daily tasks feel like hard work.
The good news? Not all joint pain means you’re heading towards arthritis and there are highly effective, evidence-backed treatments available right here in Brighton. From chiropractic care and physiotherapy to corticosteroid injections, a joined-up approach to treatment can make a real difference. Let’s break it all down.
What Actually Causes Joint Pain?
Joints are the points where two or more bones meet, held together and cushioned by cartilage, synovial fluid, ligaments and surrounding muscles. When any of these components are disrupted, pain and inflammation can follow.
The most common causes of joint pain include:
- Injury and overuse. Sprains, strains and repetitive stress injuries are among the leading causes of joint pain, particularly in active individuals. The knees, shoulders and wrists are especially vulnerable.
- Osteoarthritis. This is the “wear and tear” form of arthritis, where cartilage gradually breaks down. It becomes more common with age but is not inevitable.
- Rheumatoid arthritis. An autoimmune condition in which the body’s immune system attacks the lining of the joints, causing inflammation, swelling and pain. Unlike osteoarthritis, it often affects joints symmetrically and can occur at any age.
- Bursitis Inflammation. of the small fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that cushion bones and soft tissues around joints.
- Tendinitis. Inflammation of the tendons, often caused by repetitive movements or sudden increases in physical activity.
- Referred pain from the spine. Spinal dysfunction can cause pain to radiate into the shoulders, hips, arms or legs, mimicking joint pain even when the joint itself is not the primary source of the problem.
- Gout. A form of inflammatory arthritis caused by a build-up of uric acid crystals in the joints, most commonly the big toe but also ankles and knees.
- Hypermobility. Joints that move beyond their normal range can become painful and unstable over time, a condition common in younger patients and those with connective tissue disorders.
Is All Joint Pain Arthritis? The Short Answer Is No
This is one of the most common misconceptions we encounter at our clinic. Many patients come in convinced they must have arthritis, when in fact their pain stems from muscular imbalances, nerve irritation, postural issues or previous injuries that haven’t healed properly.
It’s important to understand that arthritis is a specific diagnosis, not a catch-all explanation for any aching joint. In fact, there are many different types of arthritis and related conditions, but arthritis itself represents only a fraction of the reasons people experience joint pain.
A thorough clinical assessment, including a detailed history, physical examination and appropriate imaging where needed, is essential to identify the true cause of your discomfort. Jumping to conclusions about arthritis without proper evaluation can mean the underlying cause goes untreated for longer than necessary.
How Spinal Manipulation Helps Joint Pain
Spinal manipulation (chiropractic treatment) involves the application of controlled force to spinal joints to restore movement, reduce muscle tension and address nerve irritation. It is one of the most researched manual therapies in musculoskeletal medicine.
A landmark systematic review published in Spine (Rubinstein et al., 2011) found that spinal manipulative therapy provided clinically meaningful short-term improvements in pain and function for patients with chronic low back pain when compared with other active treatments. Similarly, a Cochrane Review (Rubinstein et al., 2019) confirmed that spinal manipulation is one of only 10% of effective treatments for low back pain, including exercise therapy and standard medical care.
But the benefits extend beyond the back. Chiropractic care has demonstrated effectiveness in managing pain in the hips, knees, shoulders and neck, areas frequently affected by joint dysfunction that originates in or is compounded by spinal pressure on nerves.
Here’s how spinal manipulation supports joint health:
Restores joint mobility. Restricted spinal segments can alter the biomechanics of nearby joints, increasing strain and pain. Manipulation restores normal movement patterns.
Reduces nerve irritation. Compressed or irritated spinal nerves can cause referred pain that mimics joint pain. Adjustments help decompress these nerves.
Decreases muscle tension. Tightness in muscles around the spine often develops in response to joint dysfunction. Manipulation helps to reset muscular tone.
Sharpens your body’s internal GPS. Your nervous system constantly sends signals between your joints, muscles and brain to coordinate how you move. Spinal manipulation helps fine-tune this communication, so your body moves more efficiently and with better control. Think of it as recalibrating the system rather than just oiling the joints.
Sundial chiropractors combine thorough assessment with evidence-based spinal and peripheral joint manipulation tailored to your individual needs.
The Role of Physiotherapy in Managing Joint Pain
Physiotherapy is a cornerstone of joint pain management. Where chiropractic care addresses joint mechanics and nerve function, physiotherapy focuses heavily on rehabilitating the muscles and movement patterns that support those joints.
Our skilled physiotherapists here in Brighton will assess how you move, identify weaknesses and imbalances and build a targeted rehabilitation programme to support long-term recovery.
Key physiotherapy interventions for joint pain include:
Therapeutic exercise. Progressive resistance and mobility exercises rebuild strength around compromised joints. Exercises like walking, running or weight lifting, significantly reduced pain and improved physical function in patients with knee osteoarthritis.
Manual therapy. Hands-on techniques including joint mobilisation and soft tissue work complement spinal manipulation and help to restore normal movement.
Education and self-management strategies. Understanding your condition, activity modification and home exercise programmes are central to lasting results.
Electrotherapy and acupuncture. Laser therapy and dry needling can support pain relief during the acute phase of treatment.
Gait and postural retraining. Correcting the way you walk, stand and sit reduces the mechanical load on painful joints over time.
Combining chiropractic care with physiotherapy creates a comprehensive, multi-pronged approach that addresses both the structural cause of pain and the functional deficits that often maintain it.
Corticosteroid Injections: Another Tool in the Toolkit
For patients experiencing significant inflammation and pain that is limiting their ability to engage fully with manual therapy or rehabilitation, injections can be a valuable part of the treatment plan. Our GP does these here at Sundial, Queens Road, Brighton. Link to Injection page
Steroids are powerful anti-inflammatory medications. When injected directly into an affected joint, bursa or tendon sheath, they can rapidly reduce swelling and pain, providing a window of relief during which physiotherapy and chiropractic treatment can be carried out more effectively.
A systematic review published in Rheumatology (Wernecke et al., 2015) found that corticosteroid injections provided significant short-term pain relief for conditions including shoulder impingement, knee osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis flares. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) also recognises corticosteroid injections as an appropriate short-term management option for joint pain within a broader treatment framework.
Importantly, injections are most effective when used alongside, not instead of, active rehabilitation. The injection reduces pain and inflammation sufficiently to allow the patient to engage with chiropractic manipulation and physiotherapy exercises, which then address the underlying cause of the problem. In this way, the three approaches work well together:
- The injection reduces acute inflammation and pain
- Chiropractic care restores joint mechanics and nerve function
- Physiotherapy rebuilds strength, stability and movement quality
This joined-up approach is far more likely to produce lasting results than any single intervention used in isolation.
When Should You See a Chiropractor or Physio for Joint Pain?
You don’t need to be in severe pain to benefit from chiropractic care. Early intervention often produces the best outcomes, preventing acute problems from becoming chronic ones.
We recommend seeking an assessment if you are experiencing:
- Joint pain that has lasted more than a few days without improvement
- Stiffness that is worse in the morning or after periods of inactivity
- Pain that radiates from your spine into your limbs
- Restricted range of movement in any joint
- Pain that is affecting your ability to work, sleep or exercise
- Recurring episodes of joint pain that seem to keep coming back
Our Brighton-based chiropractors work closely with physiotherapists and our GP to ensure you receive a coordinated care plan from the outset.
Don’t Just Put Up With Joint Pain
Joint pain is not simply “part of getting older” and it is certainly not something you should feel you have to live with. Whether your pain stems from a sports injury, postural strain, early-stage arthritis or a long-standing spinal issue, effective treatment is available.
At our Brighton chiropractic clinic, we take a thorough, evidence-based approach, identifying the root cause of your joint pain and designing a personalised treatment plan that may incorporate spinal manipulation, physiotherapy and where appropriate, referral for corticosteroid injections.
Don’t wait until things get worse. Book an assessment with our chiropractor in Brighton today and take the first step towards moving freely again.
References
1. Rubinstein SM et al. (2011) — Spinal Manipulative Therapy for Chronic Low-Back Pain: An Update of a Cochrane Review Spine
2. Rubinstein SM et al. (2019) — Benefits and Harms of Spinal Manipulative Therapy for the Treatment of Chronic Low Back Pain: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials BMJ
3. Fransen M et al. (2015) — Exercise for Osteoarthritis of the Knee Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
4. Wernecke C, Braun HJ, Dragoo JL (2015) — The Effect of Intra-Articular Corticosteroids on Articular Cartilage: A Systematic Review
5. NICE Clinical Guideline CG177 — Osteoarthritis: Care and Management
6. Versus Arthritis — Types of Arthritis
Frequently Asked Questions About Joint Pain and Chiropractic Care in Brighton
What causes joint pain if it isn’t arthritis?
Joint pain can be caused by a wide range of conditions including muscle imbalances, ligament sprains, bursitis, tendinitis, gout, hypermobility and referred pain from spinal dysfunction. A proper clinical assessment is the only reliable way to identify the true cause of your joint pain and ensure you receive the right treatment.
How do I know if I need to see a chiropractor for joint pain?
If your joint pain has lasted more than a few days, is affecting your sleep, work or ability to exercise, keeps coming back or is accompanied by stiffness or restricted movement, it is worth seeking an assessment. Early intervention from a chiropractor in Brighton can prevent short-term problems from becoming long-term ones.
Is spinal manipulation safe for joint pain?
Yes. When carried out by a qualified and registered chiropractor, spinal manipulation is considered a safe and evidence-based treatment for musculoskeletal pain. Chiropractors in the UK are regulated by the General Chiropractic Council (GCC) and trained to assess whether manipulation is appropriate for each individual patient.
Can physiotherapy and chiropractic care be used together?
Absolutely. Chiropractic care and physiotherapy complement one another very well. Chiropractic treatment addresses joint mechanics and nerve irritation whilst physiotherapy focuses on rebuilding the muscles and movement patterns that support those joints. Used together, they produce more comprehensive and lasting results than either treatment alone.
What are corticosteroid injections and how do they help joint pain?
Steroid injections deliver a powerful anti-inflammatory medication directly into an affected joint, bursa or tendon sheath. They are designed to reduce swelling and pain quickly, providing a window of relief that allows patients to engage more effectively with chiropractic treatment and physiotherapy rehabilitation. They work best as part of a wider treatment plan rather than as a standalone solution.
How many chiropractic sessions will I need for joint pain?
This varies depending on the cause and severity of your joint pain, your age, your general health and how long you have been experiencing symptoms. Your chiropractor will give you a realistic treatment plan and timeline after your initial assessment.
Does the NHS cover chiropractic treatment in Brighton?
NHS funding for chiropractic care is limited and varies by area. Most patients access chiropractic treatment privately. Many private health insurance policies do cover chiropractic care, so it is worth checking your policy. Our Brighton clinic offers transparent pricing and can advise you on your options at the time of booking.
About Matthew Bennett, Chiropractor Brighton
Matthew Bennett is the founder and principal chiropractor at Sundial Clinics Brighton, established in 1991. With over 35 years of clinical experience, Matthew qualified from the Anglo-European College of Chiropractic in 1987 and served as President of the British Chiropractic Association for four years. As a Fellow of the Royal College of Chiropractors and former team chiropractor for Brighton and Hove Albion FC and the British Alpine Ski Team, Matthew combines evidence-based chiropractic treatment with sports performance expertise. His authority in musculoskeletal health has been recognised through national media appearances, expert witness roles and contributions to professional publications. Matthew’s commitment to clinical excellence ensures patients receive the most effective chiropractic care in Brighton.