Chiropractic Care for Degenerative Joint Disease

Are you considering chiropractic care for your arthritis? Here’s what you need to know!

Chiropractic treatment is a non-invasive, drug-free option that can play a significant role in managing DJD. Chiropractors focus on spinal and joint alignment, which helps improve movement patterns, reduce pain, and support overall joint function.

Benefits of Chiropractic Care for DJD Include:

• Pain Relief: Gentle adjustments can help reduce joint pressure and nerve irritation, easing discomfort.
• Improved Joint Mobility: Restoring proper joint alignment enhances range of motion and flexibility.
• Decreased Inflammation: Chiropractic care may help lower inflammation in and around the joints.
• Enhanced Posture and Balance: Proper alignment supports better biomechanics, helping to reduce wear on affected joints.

Learn more in our latest article.

Start Feeling Better with an Ann Arbor Chiropractor

Chiropractic work can help you manage degenerative disc disease, as well as many other secondary conditions. To get started with an Ann Arbor Chiropractor, schedule a no-commitment consultation by calling 734-221-0362 or submitting a contact form here.

Causes of Degenerative Joint Disease

Did you know that arthritis is actually Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD)?

Degenerative Joint Disease can develop due to a combination of factors, including:

• Aging: Cartilage naturally deteriorates with age.
• Joint Overuse: Repetitive motion or long-term physical stress on joints, such as from manual labor or sports, can accelerate cartilage breakdown.
• Injury: Previous joint injuries or trauma (e.g. fractures or ligament tears) increase the risk of DJD.
• Obesity: Excess body weight puts added stress on weight-bearing joints like the knees, hips, and spine.
• Genetics: A family history of osteoarthritis can increase susceptibility.
• Poor Posture or Biomechanics: Misaligned joints and abnormal movement patterns can hasten joint wear.

Learn more in our latest article.

Start Feeling Better with an Ann Arbor Chiropractor

Chiropractic work can help you manage degenerative disc disease, as well as many other secondary conditions. To get started with an Ann Arbor Chiropractor, schedule a no-commitment consultation by calling 734-221-0362 or submitting a contact form here.

Causes of TMJ Disorders

You’ve probably heard of TMJ, but what causes it?

Several factors can contribute to TMJ disorders, including:

• Jaw Injuries: Trauma to the jaw or joint can lead to inflammation or misalignment.
• Teeth Grinding: Habitual grinding or clenching can strain the joint and surrounding muscles. 
• Arthritis: Osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis can affect the joint's cartilage.
• Stress: Tension can cause clenching of the jaw, exacerbating symptoms.
• Misaligned Bite: Irregular alignment of teeth can impact how the joint moves and functions. This can also happen if the jaw was moved after having braces.
• Connective Tissue Disorders: Conditions like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome may affect joint stability.

Learn more in our latest article.

Talk with an Ann Arbor-Based Chiropractor

TMJ is a secondary condition that a structural chiropractor can help by addressing TMJ joint alignment and underlying displacements of the spine. For more information, call our Ann Arbor chiropractor’s office at (734) 221-0362 or submit a contact form. Remember, talking to Dr. Gessert is never a commitment!

Symptoms of TMJ Disorders

How can you tell if you might have an issue with TMJ?

TMJ disorders can present a variety of symptoms, including:

• Jaw Pain or Tenderness: Often localized around the joint or extending to the face.
• Difficulty or Discomfort When Chewing: Pain or a sensation of tightness while eating or speaking.
• Limited Range of Motion: Difficulty opening or closing the mouth fully.
• Clicking or Popping Sounds: Noises when opening or closing the jaw, sometimes accompanied by discomfort.
• Locking of the Jaw: Episodes where the jaw becomes stuck open or closed.
• Headaches or Ear Pain: Radiating pain that can mimic migraines or ear infections.

Learn more in our latest article.

Talk with an Ann Arbor-Based Chiropractor

TMJ is a secondary condition that a structural chiropractor can help by addressing TMJ joint alignment and underlying displacements of the spine. For more information, call our Ann Arbor chiropractor’s office at (734) 221-0362 or submit a contact form. Remember, talking to Dr. Gessert is never a commitment!

Symptoms of Sciatica

How can you tell if you have Sciatica?

The hallmark symptom of Sciatica is a sharp, shooting pain that travels from the lower back down the leg. 

Other symptoms may include:

• Numbness or tingling in the leg
• Muscle weakness in the affected leg
• Difficulty moving the leg or foot
• Pain that worsens with prolonged sitting or sudden movements

The pain itself can vary – it can be a constant throbbing pain that doesn’t let up, or it can be mild. It can flare up for a short period of time and go away, then return days, weeks, or months later. You may notice your pain improve with a change of position, such as laying down or leaning to one side. For some, the pain can be so bad that sitting, standing, bending over, and lying down are nearly impossible. 

In most cases, Sciatica resolves with conservative treatments like rest, chiropractic therapy, and pain management, though very severe cases may require surgical intervention.

Learn more in our Sciatica article.

Manage Sciatica in Ann Arbor

If you live near Ann Arbor and struggle with Sciatica, you can find relief with help from Dr. Gessert! Whether you have questions or are ready to book a complimentary consultation, you can call (734) 221-0362 or contact us on our website.

Causes of Sciatica

You may have heard of a spine condition called “Sciatica,” but what actually causes it?

Sciatica is most commonly caused by a herniated disc, bone spur, or narrowing of the spine (spinal stenosis) that compresses part of the nerve. This compression leads to inflammation, pain, and often some numbness in the affected leg. Other causes can include injury, tumors pressing on the nerve, or even prolonged sitting.

It is estimated that 40% of people will experience Sciatica pain at some point in their lifetime. Often the pain can be disabling; Sciatica accounts for more work loss than low back pain alone.

Learn more in our Sciatica article.

Manage Sciatica in Ann Arbor

If you live near Ann Arbor and struggle with Sciatica, you can find relief with help from Dr. Gessert! Whether you have questions or are ready to book a complimentary consultation, you can call (734) 221-0362 or contact us on our website.