What Is Degenerative Joint Disease?

Your spine is composed of repeated “units” consisting of a vertebra, a spongy intervertebral disc, and two facet joints, one on each side of the vertebra. The disc and facet joints of each vertebra are collectively known as the “3-joint complex.” 

While facet joints are essential for your spinal flexibility, they are also prone to degenerative changes, known as degenerative joint disease (DJD) or spinal osteoarthritis. Typically, degenerative joint disease begins with thinning or degeneration of the articular cartilage within the facet joint. As the disease progresses, other parts of the facet joint can also be affected. DJD can occur on its own or together with degenerative disc disease. Most commonly, the two conditions occur together, but about 20% of people with degenerative joint disease don’t have degenerative disc changes. 

Degenerative changes to the spine commonly occur with age, and not all abnormalities that show up on imaging tests will cause symptoms. However, if you’re experiencing back pain or other symptoms, it might be time to get specialized care.

Degenerative Joint Disease Symptoms

Degenerative joint disease can affect any level of the spine, but it is most common in the lumbar (lower) spine and the cervical spine (neck). Degenerative changes in the thoracic (middle) spine are less well-studied. Symptoms of degenerative joint disease can range from mild to severe, and may vary according to which part of your spine is affected. Symptoms may include:

• Dull, achy back pain
• Pain that gets worse with prolonged standing or walking and in positions where your spine is extended, such as working overhead, and improves with sitting or leaning forward
• Reduced range of motion in your back
• Stiffness, especially in the morning or after being inactive
• Difficulty walking or incontinence (in severe cases)

Degenerative joint disease sometimes causes “referred pain,” which is when you feel pain in one part of your body, but the source of the pain is somewhere else. Lumbar DJD may cause referred pain in your hip, upper thigh, or flank (the side of your torso). Usually, pain from lumbar DJD doesn’t extend past your knee. Cervical DJD can cause referred pain in your shoulder, upper arm, or scapula, and may cause headaches affecting the back of your head. 

Causes of Degenerative Joint Disease

Risk factors for the development of DJD include: 

• Age: Aging is the single biggest risk factor for degenerative joint disease 
• Genetics: Susceptibility to DJD may be partially inherited
• Obesity: Excess weight can increase the pressure and forces on your facet joints. Adipose (fat) tissue is also an important source of inflammation-promoting cytokines (chemical messengers). Having too much adipose tissue can cause low-level, chronic (long-term) inflammation that may contribute to DJD.
• Gender: Women are more likely to experience spinal arthritis, especially after menopause.
• Congenital spine abnormalities: Conditions like scoliosis can increase your risk of developing DJD.
• Lifestyle factors: Jobs or sports that involve heavy lifting, repetitive motions, or other significant spinal stresses can increase your risk of developing DJD.
• A history of traumatic injury to your spine
• Degenerative disc disease 

How Is Degenerative Joint Disease Diagnosed?

The Spine Pro offers diagnosis and treatment for degenerative joint disease in the heart of Beverly Hills, CA. 

Several different conditions, including degenerative joint disease, degeneration of the intervertebral disc, and changes in spinal ligaments, can all contribute to narrowing of the spinal column and cause similar symptoms. Understanding the cause of your symptoms is an important step in choosing the right treatments. 

Dr. Melamed may recommend X-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or a myelogram, a procedure that provides detailed images of your spine, spinal canal, and the nerves branching out from your spine. He’ll also ask you about your symptoms and lifestyle to understand how your DJD is impacting your life.  

Degenerative Joint Disease Treatment Options in Beverly Hills

 At The Spine Pro in Beverly Hills, Dr. Melamed offers expert holistic care for the symptoms of degenerative joint disease. Dr. Melamed is a board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon and a nationally recognized expert in spine health. He specializes in holistic, noninvasive, individualized treatment for your spine problems.

If you are experiencing symptoms from DJD, Dr. Melamed will work with you to develop a treatment plan that fits your goals, lifestyle, and preferences. He favors holistic approaches like low-impact exercise, physical therapy, and alternative holistic strategies such as yoga, Pilates, tai chi, and acupuncture to strengthen your back and relieve pain. He may also recommend lifestyle changes such as diet management to control your weight and reduce inflammation, and quitting smoking if you are a smoker.

Dr. Melamed avoids the use of opioid pain medication and favors using alternative strategies for pain control, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and epidural corticosteroid injections.

At the Spine Pro, surgery is always a last resort. If your symptoms don’t improve with conservative management, Dr. Melamed may recommend surgical intervention. He is an expert in minimally invasive treatment strategies and will carefully review your symptoms and imaging results before making any surgical recommendations. Common surgical strategies for treating DJD include microdecompressive techniques such as microlaminectomies and microlaminotomies. More severe DJD may require spinal fusion. 

Recovery

Unfortunately, DJD isn’t curable, and like any degenerative condition, your symptoms may change or worsen with age. However, appropriate treatment can help manage your symptoms and let you get back to the activities you enjoy. Dr. Melamed and his team at The Spine Pros will provide individualized and holistic support throughout your DJD journey.  

Make an Appointment with Dr. Melamed Today

If you are seeking treatment for DJD, schedule a consultation with Dr. Melamed today to discuss the options for state-of-the-art care in Beverly Hills.