Do your back, hips, or knees feel stiff and achy, especially in the morning or after sitting for a while? You may be dealing with degenerative joint disease, the wear-and-tear form of arthritis also known as osteoarthritis. It is one of the most common reasons adults visit a chiropractor, and it tends to show up gradually as the years and miles add up.
Our chiropractic team in North Hampton helps patients manage the pain and stiffness of degenerative joint disease with gentle, hands-on care, supportive therapies, and practical advice for everyday movement. Book a visit to find out what may help you feel and move better.
Ease Stiff Joints
Gentle, low-force care that may help improve motion in stiff joints and reduce everyday aches.
Support the Whole Body
We look at your spine, hips, knees, and feet together, because a problem in one area often affects the others.
Protect Your Joints
Exercises, posture tips, and supportive options like custom orthotics to help reduce strain on worn joints.
Chiropractic Care for Joint Degeneration
Joint wear does not have to mean giving up the activities you love. A gentle, whole-body approach may help you stay mobile, comfortable, and independent.
Degenerative Joint Disease Treatment in the North Hampton Area
Our goal is to help you move with less pain using care that respects sensitive, worn joints. We combine gentle adjustments with therapies such as SoftWave and laser therapy, along with simple exercises you can do at home. Book an appointment now to schedule a time with our team.
Degenerative joint disease (DJD) is another name for osteoarthritis. It happens when the smooth cartilage that lines the ends of your bones slowly wears thin. Without that cushion, joints can become stiff, sore, and less flexible. The body may also form small bony growths called bone spurs around the joint as it tries to stabilize itself.
DJD can affect almost any joint, but it most often shows up in the places that carry your weight and move the most: the lower back, the neck, the hips, and the knees. In the spine, it usually involves the small facet joints that link each vertebra to the next. If your symptoms are mainly in your back, you may also find our page on spinal arthritis helpful.
Signs of Degenerative Joint Disease
Stiffness that is worst in the morning or after sitting, then loosens up as you move
An aching pain that builds with activity and eases with rest
Reduced range of motion, such as trouble turning, bending, or getting out of a car
A grinding or clicking feeling in the joint
Mild swelling or tenderness around the joint
What Contributes to Joint Wear?
Getting older is the most common factor, but several other things can play a part:
Old injuries, such as a sprained knee or a fall onto the hip
Repetitive strain from work, sports, or hobbies
Extra body weight, which adds load to the hips, knees, and spine
Posture habits and alignment issues, including flat feet, that change how force moves through your joints
Family history
How Chiropractic Care May Help
Worn cartilage cannot be regrown, but there is a lot that can be done to help you feel and function better. Staying active is one of the most important things you can do for arthritic joints, and our care is designed to make that easier. At our North Hampton office, care may include:
Gentle adjustments using low-force techniques, including the instrument-assisted ProAdjuster, to help restore motion in stiff joints.
Spinal decompression when joint and disc changes in the lower back are adding pressure to the area.
Custom orthotics to support your feet and help balance the load on your knees, hips, and lower back.
Home exercises and posture advice to build strength and flexibility around your joints.
We start with a thorough exam and, when needed, X-rays, so your plan matches what is actually going on. For arthritis in other parts of the body, see our arthritis page.
Degenerative Joint Disease Treatment in North Hampton
Dr. Mark Arsenault and Dr. Corey Kneeland work with patients in North Hampton and nearby communities who want a natural, non-surgical way to manage joint pain. If stiffness and aching joints are slowing you down, we would be happy to help you explore your options.
Is degenerative joint disease the same as arthritis?
Yes. Degenerative joint disease is another name for osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis. It is caused by gradual wear of the cartilage in a joint. At Arsenault Family Chiropractic Center in North Hampton, NH, we help patients manage its pain and stiffness with gentle, non-surgical care.
Can chiropractic care help degenerative joint disease?
Chiropractic care cannot rebuild cartilage, but it may help reduce pain, ease stiffness, and improve how your joints move. Dr. Mark Arsenault and Dr. Corey Kneeland use gentle adjustments, supportive therapies, and exercises tailored to each patient.
Are chiropractic adjustments safe for worn joints?
We use gentle, low-force techniques chosen for each patient’s age, comfort, and condition. Your care begins with a thorough exam, and we adapt our approach for sensitive or arthritic joints.
What can I do at home for degenerative joint disease?
Regular gentle movement such as walking or swimming, strengthening exercises, a healthy weight, and supportive footwear may all help. We will show you exercises and posture habits that fit your body and your daily routine.
Do I need X-rays?
Not always. We decide based on your exam and history. When X-rays are helpful, we can take them in our North Hampton office to get a clearer picture of your joints and spine.
