Some degree of degenerative change occurs with age and it can be a normal process. However, there are varying degrees of degenerative changes and not all have to cause pain and discomfort. Degenerative changes are usually a result of prior use and repetitive strain on a joint, previous injury, and to some degree a genetic predisposition. With arthritis, pain in the joint occurs and some classic signs are stiffness in the morning which usually lasts up to 30 min and increased pain with weather changes (damp or cold weather).  No cure exists for degenerative changes but the discomfort and pain can be lessened with the use of Chiropractic care, soft tissue manual treatment and a proper rehabilitation program.