Yes. When a joint in the spine or an extremity is not moving properly, often at first there are no symptoms. As time goes on, the surrounding muscles, ligaments and cartilage can be affected, movement patterns can be altered, and discomfort or pain can be the result. Long term joint immobility can lead to osteoarthritis (the breakdown of joint cartilage). The cartilage in your joints has no blood supply of its own, so nutrients must be transported into the joint mechanically. As the joint moves it compresses the spongy cartilage material, expelling the fluid it contains and allowing new, richer nutrient-containing fluid to enter. Regular chiropractic care can ensure that joints retain their proper mobility, thus receiving the nutrition they need. Chiropractic helps spinal joints, extremities, and the body as a whole, to function at their best.