Degenerative Joint Disease

Degenerative joint disease is a disorder that results in joint degradation and frequently causes pain.  Also known as osteoarthritis, degenerative joint disease can be experienced in any of the joints in the body and is particularly common in the vertebral joints in the spinal column. It is important to note that degenerative joint disease isn’t a disease in the traditional sense of the word, and in many cases, osteoarthritis is caused by nothing more than the regular aging process.

Causes

In the spine, adjacent vertebrae in the neck, middle back, and lower back are connected at a synovial, cartilage-coated joint known as the facet joint.  These joints provide stability in the spine but also allow for mobility. Over the years, the cartilage in the joints can begin to wear away, eventually causing bone-on-bone contact.  When this happens, soft tissue becomes inflamed, the body naturally develops bone spurs, and arthritic pain follows. This is what doctors refer to as degenerative joint disease.

This condition can lead to a number of symptoms, including:

• Facetogenic pain
• Headaches
• Back stiffness or soreness
• Neuropathic pain

Treatment

If you believe you are experiencing the effects of degenerative joint disease, the first step is to visit your doctor.  Osteoarthritis cannot be cured, but there are a number of treatments available to alleviate your pain and help you manage the condition. In some instances, spine surgery may be recommended to treat the arthritic joint as well.  At Laser Spine Institute, our talented orthopedic surgeons offer a revolutionary procedure known as a facet thermal ablation where the joint is cleaned out and the nerve is deadened to remove the source of your pain.  This minimally invasive procedure is similar in structure to a root canal and is completed on an outpatient basis.  To learn more, contact Laser Spine Institute today.