Degenerative joint disease (also commonly referred to as osteoarthritis) can affect almost any joint in the body, but often occurs in the joints of the spine. Spinal degenerative joint disease occurs when the cartilage surrounding a facet joint begins to wear away over time, eventually causing the adjacent bones to begin grinding against each other. This grinding can produce various symptoms, including pain, stiffness and a feeling of warmth. If the friction causes bone spurs to develop and compress nerve roots or the spinal cord, symptoms may include muscle weakness, trouble walking and loss of fine motor skills.

Below are three things you should know about spinal degenerative joint disease treatment:

1. Diagnosis may require various tests. Once you’ve described your symptoms to your doctor, he or she will likely perform various tests aimed at examining your nerve function and range of motion. In some cases, your doctor may request an MRI or CT scan to get a better look at your spine before confirming that you have degenerative joint disease.
2. Early treatment can prevent problems down the road. If you’ve already been diagnosed with degenerative joint disease in the spine, you should begin treatment as soon as possible, as delaying treatment may worsen your symptoms or cause you to develop additional health issues.
3. USA Spine Care offers minimally invasive alternatives to traditional open spine surgery. If it’s determined that you will require surgery to treat your spinal degenerative joint disease, you should know that USA Spine Care offers minimally invasive alternatives to traditional open neck or back surgery. Our minimally invasive spine surgery is often the clinically appropriate first choice and provides many advantages versus open neck or back surgery.^

If you’ve been diagnosed with degenerative joint disease in your spine, please contact USA Spine Care today. We look forward to helping you determine whether you may be a candidate for one of our minimally invasive procedures.

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