Degenerative Joint Disease (Osteoarthritis)

Lawrence, KS | Midwest Muscle & Joint Clinic

Degenerative joint disease (DJD), also known as osteoarthritis, is one of the most common musculoskeletal conditions affecting adults. It occurs when the cartilage within a joint gradually wears down over time, leading to changes in the bone, ligaments, and surrounding soft tissues.

One of the most important things we tell our patients is this:

Degeneration is a normal part of aging.

Just like wrinkles on your skin or gray hair, it's common to see arthritis and degenerative changes on X-rays and MRIs as we get older. In fact, many people with significant degenerative changes have little to no pain, while others with very mild arthritis may experience more symptoms. Research consistently shows that the amount of arthritis seen on imaging does not always correlate with the amount of pain a person experiences.

At Midwest Muscle & Joint Clinic, we don't simply treat your X-rays—we treat you. Our goal is to improve how you move, decrease pain, and help you continue doing the activities you enjoy.

How We Treat Degenerative Joint Disease

Although arthritis cannot be reversed, many people experience significant improvement through conservative care designed to improve joint mobility and reduce stress on affected tissues.

Depending on your condition, treatment may include:

• Chiropractic spinal and extremity adjustments to improve joint mobility and movement

• Manual therapy to reduce muscle tension and improve soft tissue flexibility

• Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) to help manage chronic pain and improve tissue health when appropriate

• Dry needling to reduce muscle tightness surrounding arthritic joints

• Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) to improve soft tissue mobility

• Corrective exercises to improve strength, balance, flexibility, and joint stability

• Personalized home exercise program to maintain mobility and reduce stiffness

Our goal is to help you move better, stay active, and reduce pain—not simply focus on what appears on imaging.

Symptoms of Degenerative Joint Disease

Common symptoms include:

• Joint pain

• Morning stiffness

• Decreased range of motion

• Joint swelling

• Stiffness after prolonged sitting

• Pain with activity

• Grinding or clicking sensations

• Muscle tightness around the affected joint

Degenerative joint disease most commonly affects the neck, back, hips, knees, shoulders, and hands, but it can occur in almost any joint.

What Causes Degenerative Joint Disease?

Degenerative joint disease develops from a combination of factors, including:

• Normal aging

• Previous injuries

• Genetics

• Repetitive stress

• Joint instability

• Obesity

• Occupational demands

• Reduced physical activity

While age increases the likelihood of degenerative changes, arthritis is not an automatic sentence to chronic pain or disability. Staying active and maintaining healthy joint movement are among the best ways to manage symptoms.

What to Expect During Your First Visit

Your initial evaluation at Midwest Muscle & Joint Clinic is designed to determine whether arthritis is contributing to your symptoms and identify other factors affecting your movement and pain.

Your visit may include:

• Detailed health history and symptom review

• Orthopedic and neurological examination

• Joint mobility assessment

• Functional movement evaluation

• Postural assessment

• Personalized treatment recommendations

If advanced imaging or referral to another healthcare provider is appropriate, we will help coordinate your care.

Why Choose Midwest Muscle & Joint Clinic?

Our chiropractors understand that arthritis is only one piece of the puzzle. Many people with arthritis remain active and pain-free, while others develop symptoms because of joint stiffness, muscle weakness, poor movement patterns, or previous injuries.

Our treatment plans are designed to:

• Reduce joint pain

• Improve mobility

• Increase flexibility

• Improve strength and balance

• Maintain independence

• Keep you active despite age-related changes