According to Wikipedia, Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD) is a “group of diseases and mechanical abnormalities involving degradation of joints, including articular cartilage and the subchondral bone next to it.”  DJD is used interchangeably with Osteoarthritis or OA and may cause joint inflammation, stiffness, creaky, tenderness, and pain.  OA (DJD) tends to be non-uniform and asymmetrical in joints.  DJD likes to predominately affect the weight-bearing joints of the body, most commonly seen in the hips and knees but is also very commonly found in the hands, feet, and spine.  According to Wikipedia, “it is estimated that 80% of the US population will have radiographic evidence of OA by the age of 65, although only 60% of those will be asymptomatic.”  So how do we treat DJD?  Chiropractic may improve the quality of life of DJD patients through lifestyle modification, physiotherapy, low-force exercises, and adjustments of the affected areas.  Chiropractors believe that a subluxation is caused from trauma or tight muscles that pull the bones of the spine or extremities out of its proper alignment.  Subluxations cause the bones to press on the nerves which in turn disrupt nerve conduction to crucial bodily organs.  This causes diseases to manifest within the body and typically causes symptoms within the individual.  The adjustments will reduce any pressure on the surrounding nerves; thereby, decreasing pain and local inflammation.  DJD cannot be reversed but Chiropractic treatment can extend and improve a person’s quality of daily life.