What’s Causing That Ache in Your Joints?

Joints present different forms, structures, and capabilities, from simple hinge joints to omnidirectional ball-and-socket joints. A typical joint may contain the ends of two bones, which are separated by a layer of cushioning cartilage.I some joints, sacs called bursae offer additional protection against painful friction. The joints are moved by tendons attached to muscles and stabilized by connective tissues called ligaments. If any of these components become damaged, a nagging ache or even excruciating pain may issue from the joint.

How do joints develop such problems? Sometimes the damage occurs all at once due to a debilitating injury, which can rupture ligaments, dislocate the joints, and cause acute sprains or strains. But there’s a preliminary stage before full dislocation — a state of partial dislocation known as subluxation. In this situation, the joint components are still contacting each other, but they’ve shifted off-center in a way that causes pain and limits motion. A longstanding postural or spinal alignment problem may lead to vertebral subluxation. Joints call also develop positional problems and other ailments due to degenerative conditions. Years of wear and tear, for instance, can cause the cartilage to disintegrate, leading to osteoarthritis. Bulging discs that cause the space between vertebrae to collapse can strain the facet joints of the spine. your pain may even stem from chronic overuse injuries in sports or at work.