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• Degenerative Joint Disease Causes

Degenerative Joint Disease Causes

Degenerative joint disease causes significant pain in many patients, but what exactly leads to this frustrating condition? Also known as osteoarthritis, degenerative joint disease can develop in any joint in the body, but is commonly experienced in the vertebral joints in the back and neck. While arthritis can be exacerbated by environmental factors, it more commonly develops as a result of nothing more than the regular aging process.

The vertebrae in the spine interlock with adjacent vertebrae at a structure known as a facet joint. It is these joints that stabilize the spinal column and also allow for articulation. Over the years, the cartilage that coats the facet joints and prevents the bones from grinding together begins to wear away. The resulting bone-on-bone friction leads to the formation of bone spurs, inflamed soft tissue, and can compress the nerve that is located in the facet joint.

Other Causes

Other potential degenerative joint disease causes include:

• Obesity
• Repetitive activities
• Traumatic injury
• Sports-related injury
• Genetic predisposition

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Treatment Options

The problem with arthritis is that there is no known cure. However, this is not to say that spinal arthritis cannot be treated. In most cases, a doctor will first recommend a number of conservative, nonsurgical treatments to an individual suffering from arthritis that are designed to manage the patient’s pain and strengthen the joint structure. Some common treatments include the use of over-the-counter pain medications, physical therapy, chiropractics, and low-impact exercises to reduce symptoms.

If after several weeks the patient hasn’t experienced significant pain relief, spine surgery may be recommended. Rather than consent to highly invasive and risky open spine surgery, consider instead the benefits of a minimally invasive, outpatient procedure from Laser Spine Institute. At Laser Spine Institute we offer a state-of-the-art treatment known as a facet thermal ablation. This safe and effective procedure is designed to remove debris from the deteriorated facet joint, deaden nearby nerves, and provide you with the pain relief you require.?Contact us?today for more information and to request a complimentary MRI or CT scan.

Please note: Laser Spine Institute currently does not perform endoscopic procedures on the thoracic spine.