Osteoarthritis and Maintaining Joint Function
Osteoarthritis is referred to as a degenerative joint condition arising from the loss of cartilage shielding the bones in the joints and the changes this loss of cartilage leads to. Discomfort in the joints, stiffness when using the affected joints, and occasional inflammation are a few of the symptoms pointing to a potential reduction of cartilage.
The final result of any of the causes of osteoarthritis, though, is that the protective cartilage is damaged and the bones are then exposed and start to rub up against each other when a joint is moved through a range of motion. Osteophytes, also referred to as bone spurs, can develop on the affected bones in an effort to maintain the stability of the joint.
A chiropractor may evaluate any person who has potential osteoarthritis of the spine, and x-rays can confirm the degeneration of the cartilage in any of the joints most affected. If the condition is suspected or confirmed by x-rays, it then becomes important to maintain joint function, range of motion, and the amount of remaining cartilage preventing against bone rubbing on bone.