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• Types of Degenerative Joint Disease

Types of Degenerative Joint Disease

There are many types of degenerative joint disease that can affect any area of the body, though the weight-bearing joints of the body, like the knees, hips, and spine, are especially susceptible. When the disease affects the back and neck, the condition is referred to as facet disease or arthritis of the spine, which causes the cartilage surrounding the facet joints to deteriorate. Although primarily caused by the natural aging process, the condition can be exacerbated by factors like genetics, gender, obesity, illness, or infection.

How Does Joint Disease Affect the Different Levels of the Spine?

Mild degenerative joint disease may remain completely asymptomatic or produce only short periods of discomfort or joint stiffness. On the other hand, severe?degenerative joint, or facet,?disease can cause bone spurs, painful neural compression, joint lockage, joint deformity, and reduced range of motion. The condition will affect each level of the spine somewhat differently:

• Cervical region – Can cause pain, tingling or joint stiffness in the neck; symptoms may radiate through the shoulders, arms, hands, and fingers.
• Thoracic region – Sharp pain or throbbing may develop in the middle back, around the rib cage, kidneys, and chest.
• Lumbar region – Pain, weakness, or numbness may travel from the lower back and down through the hips, buttocks, legs, and feet. Joint instability may also occur.

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Minimally Invasive Treatment Options

Once your doctor confirms a diagnosis of spinal degenerative joint disease, he or she may prescribe a regimen of conservative treatments like pain medication, physical therapy, gentle stretching, hot-cold compresses, and intermittent rest. If weeks or months of these methods do not mitigate your pain and your doctor suggests that you consider spine surgery, contact Laser Spine Institute. Our minimally invasive procedures utilize safe, effective endoscopic technology. We’ve already helped tens of thousands of people rediscover their lives without back and neck pain. Request a complimentary review of your MRI or CT scan today.

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