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Osteoarthritis, commonly known as Degenerative Joint Disease, affected 43 million people in 1997, and by 2020 will likely affect over 60 million. Osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, typically attacks two types of joints: those that bear weight (the lower back, the hips, and knees) and those involved in repetitive motions (the hands, wrists, shoulders) Osteoarthritis can also develop in injured joints, including the spine (for example, the vertebrae in the lower neck after a whiplash or in football players' knees. In osteoarthritis, the cartilage of a joint breaks down faster than it can be rebuilt; therefore the amount of cartilage to cushion and absorb the stress on joints during movement is worn away until it starts to cause great amounts of discomfort. Most of the drugs taken to deal with the pain of osteoarthritis are Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin and ibuprofen, or prescription drugs such as Celebrex and Vioxx. These drugs may help relieve the pain associated with Osteoarthritis, but research reveals that these over-the-counter and prescription NSAIDs have a little-known side effect of inhibiting cartilage production, which will actually accelerate the progression of osteoarthritis in joints. The fact is Americans are spending upwards of $5-10 million dollars per year on the drugs that actually further contribute to the condition they're supposed to be helping. Rather than spending your money on quick fixes designed solely to relieve symptoms, try to begin a gentle exercise and stretching program. Remember, inactivity leads progression of osteoarthritis. Try taking a supplement that has glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM (methylsulfylmethane). Finally, remember that a balanced joint has the best opportunity for longevity. Regular chiropractic adjustments can help provide for optimal alignment and longevity of arthritic joints.