What Exactly is Osteoarthritis and How to Prevent It

The word “arthritis” means joint inflammation. There are many different types of arthritis but the most common type is osteoarthritis. In osteoarthritis the affected joints will exhibit decreased joint space along with lipping or spurring at the margins of the joint.  It is not hereditary, but it is caused by joint trauma, injury or misalignment.Although the degenerative condition is irreversible, both its symptoms and rate of progression can be managed.  

How does osteoarthritis occur in the spine? When vertebrae get slightly out of alignment they lock with one or both of the adjacent vertebrae. When this happens the degenerative process begins. Animal studies have shown that just seven days after the vertebrae become misaligned and fixated the degenerative process can be seen with the unaided eye.

How can spinal osteoarthritis develop? Vertebrae lock with one or both of their neighboring vertebrae when they move slightly out of alignment. Misalignments or subluxations of spinal vertebrae do not always cause pain or significant restriction of movement immediately. Symptoms generally increase as joint degeneration progresses.  In chiropractic we use tools such as motion palpation and when necessary, x-ray to detect vertebral subluxations.  Having your spine screened and realigned on a regular basis is an easy way to keep your spine healthy as well as reduce the symptoms and progression of osteoarthritis.