30 September 2025

Age, Weight and Your Joints – And How Your Chiropractor Can Help

Your joints play a huge role in keeping you moving, active, and independent. But as we age—or if we carry extra weight—our joints often take the brunt of the stress. This can lead to stiffness, discomfort, and mobility challenges that affect daily life. The good news? Understanding how age and weight impact your joints, and working with your chiropractor, can help keep you moving well for years to come.

How Age Affects Your Joints

Getting older naturally brings changes to your bones, muscles, and joints. Over time:

Cartilage wears down – This “cushion” in your joints thins with age, which can lead to stiffness and grinding.
Joint fluid decreases – The natural lubrication your body produces may decline, making movement less smooth.
Muscles weaken – Muscle loss with age means less support for your joints, which can lead to imbalance and strain.

These changes don’t mean you have to stop being active—they just mean your joints may need more care and support.

How Weight Impacts Your Joints

Excess weight puts added stress on your body, especially weight-bearing joints like your knees, hips, and lower back. In fact, every extra pound of body weight adds about four pounds of pressure on your knees when walking. Over time, that extra load increases wear and tear, raising your risk for arthritis and pain.

Maintaining a healthy weight can make a big difference in reducing joint stress and improving comfort during movement.

How Chiropractic Care Can Help

Chiropractors take a whole-person approach to joint health, focusing not just on the symptoms, but on the root causes. Here’s how chiropractic care can support your joints as you age or manage weight-related stress:

Gentle Adjustments – Improve joint mobility, alignment, and reduce stiffness.
Posture & Movement Coaching – Learn healthier ways to move, lift, and exercise to protect your joints.
Muscle Strengthening Guidance – Exercises to stabilize and support your joints.
Lifestyle Recommendations – Tips on weight management, stretching, and nutrition that contribute to long-term joint health.

Takeaway

Age and weight may influence your joints, but they don’t have to define your mobility or comfort. With proactive care—like chiropractic adjustments, lifestyle changes, and supportive exercise—you can stay active, healthy, and pain-free at every stage of life.

Your chiropractor can be your partner in protecting your joints and keeping you moving with confidence.