Arthritis & Degenerative Disc Disease Treatment in Airdrie
Arthritis and age-related spinal changes are extremely common and often become more noticeable over time. While these terms can sound scary, these problems can be well-managed, you can stay active, mobile, and independent.
Arthritis is a general term used to describe changes involving the joints of the body. In the spine, these changes often involve the discs, joints, cartilage, and surrounding tissues.
Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) refers to age-related changes in the spinal discs, including reduced hydration and disc height over time. Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD), sometimes called osteoarthritis or spinal arthritis, refers to wear-and-tear changes involving the joints of the spine.
These changes are a normal part of aging and are extremely common, especially as people get older. As we increase in wisdom, we gain wrinkles on our skin, and we may also develop "wrinkles on the inside." It is important to know that many people with arthritis have little or no pain, imaging findings do not always match symptom severity, "degeneration" does not necessarily mean damage or disability, and movement and activity are often very helpful for managing symptoms.
Many people continue to live active, healthy lives despite having these changes.
Common Symptoms
- Stiffness in the neck or back
- Aching pain with prolonged sitting or standing
- Reduced flexibility or mobility
- Morning stiffness that improves with movement
- Joint tenderness or soreness
- Muscle tightness or tension
- Pain during certain movements or activities
- Clicking, grinding, or cracking sensations
- Pain travelling into the hips, shoulders, arms, or legs in some cases
- Symptoms that gradually worsen over time or flare periodically
Common Causes
- Natural Age-Related Changes: the discs and joints of the spine naturally change over time, similar to wrinkles or grey hair. Over time, discs reduce their ability to hold water and begin to flatten and stiffen
- Repetitive Stress and Wear: years of bending, lifting, repetitive movement, or physical labour may increase stress on spinal joints and discs
- Previous Injuries: past injuries or trauma may contribute to changes in joint mechanics or spinal loading over time
- Reduced Mobility and Deconditioning: limited movement, weakness, or reduced physical activity may contribute to stiffness and reduced spinal support
- Posture and Movement Habits: poor movement patterns or prolonged positions may place increased stress on certain joints over time
- Genetics: some people inherit an increased likelihood of developing arthritic or degenerative changes, similar to the colour of hair and eyes
- Inflammation and Lifestyle Factors: sleep quality, stress, activity levels, smoking, and overall health all influence development; even small improvements in any category can help
How Summit Spine Centre Treats Arthritis & Degenerative Disc Disease
Comprehensive History & Exam
We want to know about your story, how long you've been experiencing symptoms, what makes them better or worse, and how they're affecting your daily life. A thorough orthopedic, neurological, and movement assessment helps us understand the degree of change and guide your care appropriately.
Cox Flexion-Distraction
A gentle, evidence-based technique that helps decompress the spine and reduce pressure on arthritic joints and irritated nerves. This approach is especially beneficial for those with DDD or DJD as it doesn't require forceful movements, making it comfortable even for sensitive spines.
Chiropractic Adjustments
Targeted adjustments help restore mobility to restricted spinal joints, reduce muscle guarding, and improve overall spinal function. Treatment is always tailored to your comfort level and the specific joints involved.
Mobility & Strengthening Exercises
Movement is medicine for arthritic joints. We'll prescribe specific exercises focused on improving flexibility, building strength in the supporting muscles, and helping you stay active and independent long-term.
Lifestyle & Activity Guidance
Practical recommendations on posture, activity modification, ergonomics, and daily habits that reduce joint irritation and help you get more out of each day, without working against your body.
Why Choose Summit Spine Centre for Arthritis & Degenerative Disc Disease
35+ Years of Spinal Care Experience
Arthritis and degenerative disc disease are among the most common conditions we see. Decades of experience means we've helped many people stay active, reduce flare-ups, and maintain their independence.
Cox FD, Gentle Care for Sensitive Spines
Cox Flexion-Distraction is one of the most effective and gentle conservative treatments for arthritic and degenerative spinal conditions. We use it to decompress the spine without forceful movements.
Care Tailored to Your Goals
Your symptoms, your pace, and your goals guide the plan we build together. Whether you want to walk farther, sleep better, or simply move without pain, we're here to help you get there.
What to Expect at Summit Spine Centre
Tell Us Your Story
Your first visit starts with a detailed conversation about your symptoms and health history. We want to understand what's going on, how it's impacting your daily life, and where you'd like to be.
Thorough Assessment
Orthopedic, neurological, and movement assessments help us understand the degree of arthritic change and identify the most appropriate approach to care for your situation.
Clear, Personalized Plan
We explain our findings in plain language and recommend a care plan tailored to your goals, comfort level, and the specific nature of your condition.
Treatment & Ongoing Support
We track your progress over time and adjust the plan as you improve. If your needs are better met elsewhere, we'll connect you with a trusted provider in the community.
What Our Patients Say
“After dealing with neck and back issues for years with little success from other chiropractors and physiotherapists, I started going to Summit Spine Centre after a friend's referral. Their flexion distraction technique has significantly improved my range of motion, and I'm feeling better than I have in years. I'd forgotten what it felt like to move comfortably again.”
Keith B.
Airdrie Patient
“After one month of weekly visits my life is significantly different. My back feels great, I don't grunt and groan when I'm moving, I'm no longer hunched over or constantly protecting myself. I can do things care free like play with my kids, and be present in the moment with them. I'm not nearly as angry or frankly miserable and able to enjoy life again in a way I haven't for some time.”
Justin C.
Airdrie Patient
“This would be 12 stars if I could! Dr. Karl Louder is hands down amazing, and Dr. Ryan Lawrence is pretty amazing too! I have been coming here since 2020. I highly recommend any and everyone to go here for care. Your health is vital and they have played a huge part in my health as well as my husband's. They supported us so deeply while my husband went through cancer treatments. We are so grateful for this place.”
Chelsea D.
Airdrie Patient
Related Conditions
What is the difference between arthritis, DDD, and DJD?
These terms all describe age-related changes in the spine or joints. DDD refers primarily to changes involving the spinal discs, while DJD refers more to changes involving the joints. Arthritis is a broader term often used to describe joint degeneration and inflammation.
Is arthritis a normal part of aging?
Some degree of change in our joints is very common as we age. Many people develop arthritic changes over time. It can sometimes be accelerated through lifestyle, genetics, or previous injury.
Does arthritis always get worse?
Not necessarily. Symptoms may fluctuate over time, and many people are very successful at managing their symptoms with movement, exercise, and healthy lifestyle habits.
Can arthritis cause nerve pain?
In some cases, arthritic or degenerative changes may narrow the spaces around nearby nerves, potentially contributing to numbness, tingling, weakness, or radiating pain, a condition called spinal stenosis.
Should I avoid exercise if I have arthritis?
In many cases, movement and exercise are some of the best things for arthritic joints. Appropriate exercise may help improve strength, flexibility, circulation, and overall function. Motion is lotion!
Is cracking or grinding in my joints dangerous?
Not always. Clicking, cracking, or grinding sounds are common and do not necessarily mean damage is occurring.
Can chiropractic care help arthritis?
Chiropractic care may help improve mobility, reduce stiffness, support movement, and improve overall function in some individuals with arthritic changes.
Do I need imaging for arthritis or DDD?
Not always. Many cases can be assessed through a detailed history and physical examination. Imaging may sometimes help confirm degenerative changes or rule out other conditions depending on the situation.
Can disc degeneration heal?
Age-related disc changes are generally not reversible, but symptoms can often improve significantly. Many people are able to function well and remain active despite degenerative changes.