Degenerative Disc Disease, Arthritis, Osteoarthritis, Spondylosis, Stenosis, and Facet Joint disease are common are age related diseases that affects the spine. As we get older our discs dehydrate and become weaker, and arthritis can develop affecting the motion of the joints in the spine. As a result of the arthritic changes in the spine, patients may develop associated neck and muscular pains. This is akin to the knee pain you can feel if the joint in your knee becomes arthritic and degenerates. In addition, arthritic tissue, enlarged ligaments, or bone spurs can press upon nerves or the spinal cord and cause pain or weakness to the arms or legs.

Treatment:
Many individuals that have such wear and tear and degeneration in their spine may have no symptoms at all. Other patients may be significantly bothered by these arthritic changes. A conservative approach is always the best first step. This would include a judicious use of medications including anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxers, and possibly pain medication. Physical therapy would also be beneficial for muscle strengthening and flexibility.

In advanced cases of degenerative changes, surgery may be helpful in decompressing the pressure on the nerves. This may involve either a posterior or anterior approach to the spine, which in many cases can be done without a spinal fusion.