What is osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis (OA), is also referred to as Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD) and is the most common type of arthritis. Osteoarthritis may be due to the cumulative effects of aging or may be secondary to trauma. When osteoarthritis is associated with aging, it affects many joints, usually on both sides of the body. Common areas include the spine (Back), knee, hips and certain joints of the thumb and fingers. Osteoarthritis is characterized by stiffness that occurs upon awakening or when seated or lying for long periods.

How Does My Doctor Know That I Have Osteoarthritis?
Common complaints of pain and morning stiffness in joints associated with restrictions in range of motion of the joint are suggestive of osteoarthritis. In the fingers and knees, some deformity may be evident. Radiographic studies (X-Rays) may be ordered. The x-ray may indicate degenerative changes, such as bone spurs, decrease in your joint space or other signs of osteoarthritis.

Will It Progress To Further Degeneration? The degree to which the joint degenerates varies upon each individual. Finally, it should be noted that osteoarthritis is not reversible, but the chance of progression may be slowed with loss of weight, good diet, mild to moderate exercise and keeping the joint(s) mobile through manipulation (Chiropractic Adjustments) or mobilization. It is important to note that mild to moderate exercise may help relieve the pain of osteoarthritis without necessarily changing any x-ray indicators of osteoarthritis (such as bone spurs or decreased joint space). In rare cases, when the joint degenerated beyond repair, a prosthetic joint is used to replace the old joint. This is most common in the hip and knee. A conservative trial of treatment for six months should be attempted first prior to surgery.

What Can be Done?
There are some changes in life-style that may help prevent early development of Osteoarthritis or help relieve the pain often associated with osteoarthritis:

Lose weight if necessary
Eat a “clean” diet high in fruits, vegetables and grains
Gradually exercise the joint using non-weight bearing exercises first such as aquatic exercise, then progress to weight bearing if possible
Start and end you day with simple muscle stretches
Vary your exercise routine to avoid repetitive stress injuries
Vary your sleeping position
Maintain good posture, especially at your computer and workstation
Attempt a trial of herbal or supplemental nutritional support to determine effectiveness for acute pain episodes
Chiropractic combined with physiotherapy modalities to alleviate pain and swelling as well as restore/maintain range of motion
Over the counter medications such as acetaminophen (analgesic/pain killer) and/or non steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Ibuprofen.
Prescription drugs such as Celebrex® (celecoxib) and Vioxx® (rofecoxib)
Hyaluronan injections- a natural chemical within joints that acts as a lubricant
Steroid injections
Surgery in severe cases