Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis, a condition that impacts the synovial joints throughout your body. These are the fluid-filled joints that allow for movement, found in your spine, shoulders, hips, elbows, wrists, fingers, toes, ankles – essentially, wherever two bones meet and move against each other.

Over time, the tissues within and surrounding these joints can degenerate. This breakdown leads to decreased function, reduced stability, and often, increased pain.

Osteoarthritis of the Spine: DDD and DJD Explained

When osteoarthritis affects the spine, it's often referred to as Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) or Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD). While these terms might sound alarming, they essentially describe the wear and tear process of the spinal structures:

• Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD): This term refers to the breakdown of the intervertebral discs – the cushions between your spinal bones (vertebrae). As these discs degenerate, they can lose their height, elasticity, and ability to absorb shock, leading to pain and reduced spinal flexibility.

• Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD): This term specifically refers to the degeneration of the facet joints, which are the small joints located at the back of each vertebra. Like other synovial joints, these can also experience cartilage breakdown, leading to stiffness, pain, and reduced motion in the spine.

Both DDD and DJD are forms of osteoarthritis affecting the spine and often occur together, contributing to spinal stiffness, discomfort, and reduced mobility.

What Causes It and Who's At Risk?

You're more likely to develop OA in joints that have been previously injured. This highlights the importance of properly addressing any injuries when they occur, especially those affecting your spine!

Common signs and symptoms of OA include:

• Pain

• Stiffness

• Reduced range of motion

• Swelling

• Popping or clicking sounds in the joint

• Feelings of instability, sometimes described as the joint "giving way"

As the condition progresses, the muscles supporting the affected joints can also weaken, providing less stability and potentially accelerating further degeneration.

How The Chiro Can Help

Fortunately, if you're experiencing osteoarthritis in your spinal joints, we can help. At The Chiro, we use a comprehensive approach that includes:

• Hands-on techniques: To improve joint movement, reduce discomfort, and address spinal restrictions.

• Strengthening and flexibility exercises: Prescribed specifically to help de-load your joints, build supporting muscle strength, and improve overall function and stability.

• Lifestyle advice: Guidance on daily habits that can help slow the progression of the disease and enhance your quality of life.

Our goal is to help you manage your symptoms, improve joint function, and empower you to live more comfortably.