My doctor says I have degenerative changes in my spine. Does this mean I have arthritis?Answer From April Chang-Miller, M.D. Show
Yes. The phrase "degenerative changes" in the spine refers to osteoarthritis of the spine. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. Doctors may also refer to it as degenerative arthritis or degenerative joint disease. Osteoarthritis in the spine most commonly occurs in the neck and lower back. With age, the soft disks that act as cushions between the spine's vertebrae dry out and shrink. This narrows the space between vertebrae, and bone spurs may develop. Gradually, your spine stiffens and loses flexibility. In some cases, bone spurs on the spine can pinch a nerve root — causing pain, weakness or numbness. If you have osteoarthritis, your doctor will work with you to develop a treatment and pain management plan, which may include exercise, medications and measures to protect your joints. Your doctor may also refer you to a rheumatologist, physical therapist or orthopedic surgeon. Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID-19, plus expertise on managing health. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with other information we have about you. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could include protected health information. If we combine this
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. Back pain plagues the daily lives of many Americans. Studies show that 80 percent of the US population will experience back pain at some point in their lives. Often back pain is accompanied by other aches and pains, including neck pain. When seeking
relief, the issue lies in diagnosing the specific cause of the pain. If you’ve been struggling with chronic or worsening neck and/or back pain, it’s time to see an orthopaedic specialist. Among the conditions that may be responsible for your pain is a condition called facet arthropathy. Facet arthropathy is a degenerative condition that affects the spine. The spine is made up of segments of vertebrae running along the spinal column. Between each vertebra are two facet joints. The facet joints along the posterior of the spine help align the vertebrae and limit motion. Facet joints are made up of two bony surfaces cushioned by cartilage and lubricated by synovial fluid. Facet arthropathy occurs when the facet joints begin to wear down and put pressure on the spinal cord, resulting in pain. SymptomsSymptoms of facet arthropathy include:
CausesWhile there is no single obvious cause of facet arthropathy, the condition is primarily caused by aging. Factors that may contribute to the development of facet arthropathy include:
TreatmentWhile there is no cure for facet arthropathy, there are ways to effectively manage the pain. Your orthopaedic specialist will work with you to find the least invasive treatment plan to manage your pain. Nonsurgical treatment options include:
SurgeryIn extreme cases, surgical intervention may be necessary. Surgical treatment of facet arthropathy include: PreventionAs with many medical conditions often the best treatment is prevention. To help avoid developing facet arthropathy later in life employ the following preventative measures:
While facet arthropathy is a degenerative symptom, with preventative measures, non-surgical and surgical treatment, relief and effective pain management is possible. At MidAmerica Orthopaedics, our dedicated team of spine experts can help get you on the path to comfort and healing. Joining our pain management team is Robert Metzler, MD. Dr. Metzler is a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (Pain Management) specialist with an emphasis in the diagnosis and treatment of facet arthropathy. Dr. Metzler works alongside physical and occupational therapists to identify patients' goals and help them achieve them. Robert Metzler, MDTo learn more about MidAmerica Orthopaedics and the different treatment options available to you, request an appointment online or call (708) 237-7200. MidAmerica Orthopaedics serves various areas such as Chicago, Tinley Park, Palos Hills, Mokena, Evergreen Park, New Lenox, Oak Lawn, Orland Park, and more. What is lower lumbar facet degeneration?Commonly, patients complain of mid-back pain or pain just below the shoulders. Lumbar Facet Disease: Most commonly diagnosed form of facet syndrome. It is characterized by lower back pain. This pain may radiate down toward the buttocks and thighs, much like sciatica.
How do you treat lumbar facet joint pain?Treatments for facet joint pain include (1) intra-articular steroid/local anesthetic injection under fluoroscopic guidance (see images below) and (2) radiofrequency ablation to block the joint from all sensory input. Some authorities have also advocated the use of pulsed radiofrequency at a lower temperature.
How do you treat facet degenerative disc disease?Many cases of facet disease do not require surgery and, more often than not, symptoms can be addressed through conservative treatment such as heat therapy, anti-inflammatory medication, rest and/or physical therapy.
Is facet joint deterioration serious?This condition can also affect younger people due to injury or overuse. Once the facet joint is damaged, it can cause long-lasting or permanent disability. The most common causes of facet joint syndrome are: Degeneration and wear and tear due to aging.
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