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What Should I do if I Think I Have Degenerative Joint Disease?

What Should I do if I Think I Have Degenerative Joint Disease?

If you experience pain, weakness, swelling, stiffness, and limited range of motion in the neck or back, you may have a condition called osteoarthritis in your spine and other joints. Also called degenerative joint disease, osteoarthritis can affect almost any joint in the body and is most prevalent in individuals over the age of 45. Those who have experienced the symptoms associated with this spinal condition may be wondering, “What should I do if I think I have degenerative joint disease in the spine?” The answer is simple: schedule a visit with your primary care physician.

How is Degenerative Joint Disease Diagnosed?

Most doctors and back specialists diagnose degenerative joint disease by first inquiring about a patient’s symptoms and their location, severity, and duration. A medical history also may be taken, to find out if a patient has experienced physical trauma, has been diagnosed with any other illnesses that may be causing or impacting symptoms, or has family members with osteoarthritis. A physical exam may be performed to assess flexibility and strength. In some cases, one or more of the following tests may be ordered:

  • X-ray
  • CT scan
  • MRI
  • Blood work
  • Discography
  • And others

How is This Spinal Condition Treated?

If a diagnosis of degenerative joint disease is made, a doctor will typically begin treatment through conservative means. This will typically include pain medications, anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, low-impact exercise, stretching, and/or intermittent rest. If several weeks of conservative treatment fail to provide relief, a doctor may recommend surgery.

Contact Laser Spine Institute to learn about our safe and effective procedures that can be performed to treat a number of spinal conditions, including osteoarthritis of the spine. Utilizing state-of-the-art endoscopic technology, our procedures have helped tens of thousands of patients to rediscover their lives without neck and back pain.

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

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Contact us today to have your questions answered.


Have you been in pain for 6 months or more?

Have you seen an orthopedic or neurosurgeon who has recommended that you have surgery to correct your condition?

Have you had an MRI or CT scan in the last 5 years?

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