With over 30 years of experience in chiropractic care, I’ve seen firsthand how Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD), or osteoarthritis, can impact people’s lives. While it’s often considered an inevitable part of aging, the truth is that proactive care can slow its progression, reduce pain, and improve mobility—without relying solely on medication or surgery.
What Causes DJD?
DJD develops when the cartilage that cushions your joints wears down over time. This can result from:
- Repetitive stress on joints from work, sports, or daily activities
- Poor posture that places uneven pressure on the spine and joints
- Previous injuries that never fully healed or led to compensations in movement
- Inflammation and lifestyle factors like diet, weight, and activity levels
As cartilage wears away, bones may rub against each other, leading to pain, stiffness, and swelling. The most commonly affected areas are the spine, knees, hips, and hands.
Common Signs of DJD
- Joint stiffness, especially in the morning or after periods of rest
- Aches or sharp pain when moving or bearing weight
- Swelling or tenderness around the joint
- Grinding or popping sensations with movement
- Reduced flexibility and range of motion
How Chiropractic Care Helps Manage DJD
While DJD can’t be reversed, chiropractic care plays a crucial role in slowing its progression and improving quality of life. Over the years, I’ve helped countless patients regain mobility and reduce pain through:
- Gentle spinal and joint adjustments to improve alignment and reduce joint stress
- Postural correction to redistribute weight evenly and minimize wear and tear
- Mobility and flexibility techniques to keep joints moving freely
- Soft tissue work and muscle balancing to support joint stability
- Natural inflammation reduction through movement, circulation, and lifestyle guidance
By optimizing spinal and joint function, chiropractic care allows the body to move more efficiently, reducing the strain that contributes to further degeneration.
Other Ways to Support Your Joints
In addition to chiropractic adjustments, I always recommend:
Staying Active: Low-impact exercise (like swimming or walking) keeps joints mobile and reduces stiffness.
Maintaining a Healthy Weight: Less weight means less pressure on the spine, hips, and knees.
Eating Anti-Inflammatory Foods: Omega-3s, leafy greens, and antioxidant-rich foods support joint health.
Improving Posture & Ergonomics: Sitting and moving in alignment prevents excess joint strain.
Using Heat or Cold Therapy: Heat relaxes muscles and improves circulation, while cold reduces swelling.
Don’t Let Joint Pain Slow You Down
Degenerative Joint Disease doesn’t have to dictate how you live. With the right care, movement, and lifestyle adjustments, you can keep doing the things you love with less pain and greater freedom.
At Miracle Life Chiropractic, we take a holistic, natural approach to joint health, helping you move better, feel stronger, and enjoy life without unnecessary pain.
Book an appointment today and let’s work together to keep your joints—and your life—in mo