Most joints in the body are lined with cartilage—a firm but pliable tissue that covers the surfaces of the bones that make up the joint. Cartilage within a joint is nourished by synovial fluid, which is “forced” into the joint cartilage through a process called imbibition. The pressure within the joint providing nourishment to the cartilage occurs only when joint movement happens. And this is why movement is critical to joint health. Grinding of bone on bone without a cartilage covering leads to degenerative joint disease, tearing up the bones and creating cysts, bone spurs and excess bone production.
A spinal disc is made up of two parts: a larger, outermost, more ligament-like portion called the annulus fibrosus, and an inner gelatinous portion called the nucleus pulposus. These two structures are primarily fluid- or water-based and they also rely on movement and imbibition for their nourishment. Therefore, movement in the spine is also critical to the health of the spinal joints.
Proper diet and nutrition also contribute to joint health by providing the joints with enough healthy nutrients for long-term stability and resistance to wear and tear. A healthy lifestyle, one that is free from tobacco products and other toxins, helps to ensure proper blood supply to tissues surrounding joints and speeds up healing of joint injuries when they occur.

Presented as a service to the community by: Union County Chiropractic Clinic, 110 Skyline Drive, Maynardville, TN (865) 992-7000 www.unioncountychiropractic.com.