Arthritis is one of the most common reasons people in South Florida feel stiff, sore, and slower than they used to be. At The Spine and Wellness Center in Coral Springs, Dr. Jared Cohen helps patients from Coral Springs and Parkland manage arthritis and joint pain with conservative, drug-free care designed to keep them moving. The goal is not to chase a cure, but to reduce pain, improve mobility, and help your joints work as comfortably as possible.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Jared Cohen, DC · Updated June 2026

How arthritis affects your joints and spine

Arthritis is a broad term for joint inflammation, and the most common form, osteoarthritis, develops as the smooth cartilage that cushions a joint gradually wears down. As that cushion thins, bones move less smoothly, the joint can become inflamed, and stiffness sets in. This can happen in the knees, hips, hands, shoulders, and very commonly in the spine.

When arthritis affects the spine, the small facet joints between vertebrae can become stiff and irritated, which limits how freely you can bend and turn. Over time, reduced motion in one area often makes nearby joints and muscles work harder, which is why a stiff lower back can lead to sore hips, or a stiff neck can lead to tight shoulders.

Common signs of arthritis

Arthritis tends to develop gradually, and the symptoms often show up like this:

• Joint stiffness that is worse in the morning or after sitting still
• Aching or soreness that improves with gentle movement
• Reduced range of motion in the neck, back, hips, or knees
• Swelling, warmth, or a grinding sensation in a joint
• Pain that flares with weather changes or overuse
• Feeling stiff getting out of a car or up from a chair

How gentle chiropractic care helps

A common myth is that people with arthritis should avoid chiropractic care. In reality, gentle, well-suited chiropractic care can be a valuable part of managing arthritic joints. Restoring even small amounts of motion to stiff segments can ease the load on surrounding tissues, reduce muscle guarding, and help you feel less locked up. Dr. Cohen tailors the technique to your comfort and the condition of your joints, often using lower-force and mobilization approaches for arthritic patients.

Movement is one of the best things for an arthritic joint, and care that keeps you moving safely tends to pay off over time. By improving how your spine and joints move together, conservative care can make daily activities like walking, gardening, and playing with grandkids feel more manageable for patients across Coral Springs, Parkland, Coconut Creek, and Tamarac.

Red light therapy and supportive modalities

Beyond hands-on care, we use supportive therapies that target stiffness and discomfort. Red light therapy for arthritis uses specific wavelengths of light, and many patients find it soothing for sore, stiff joints when used as part of a broader plan. Combined with guided physical therapy to build strength and stability around the joint, these modalities work together to support mobility rather than mask symptoms.

Strengthening the muscles that support an arthritic joint is especially important. When the muscles around a knee, hip, or spinal segment are strong and balanced, they absorb more of the load and take stress off the joint itself, which often translates into less day-to-day pain.

Safe movement and lifestyle habits

What you do between visits matters just as much as your care. These habits tend to help arthritic joints feel and function better:

• Stay consistently active with low-impact movement like walking, swimming, or cycling
• Keep a steady stretching routine to maintain range of motion
• Maintain a healthy weight to reduce load on weight-bearing joints
• Apply heat to ease morning stiffness and use rest during flares
• Avoid long stretches of sitting; get up and move every 30 to 60 minutes
• Stay hydrated and eat an anti-inflammatory, whole-food diet

When to see us in Coral Springs

If joint pain or stiffness is limiting your activities, disturbing your sleep, or getting worse over time, a conservative evaluation is a smart first step. The Spine and Wellness Center has cared for Coral Springs and Parkland since 2005, offers same-day appointments, and accepts most major insurance. Call (954) 341-2256 to build a plan that keeps you moving comfortably.