My doctor says I have degenerative changes in my spine. Does this mean I have arthritis?

Answer From April Chang-Miller, M.D.

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.

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Feb. 08, 2022 See more Expert Answers

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  9. Hip replacement
  10. Hip Surgery Overview
  11. Hockey Coach Gets Hip
  12. Knee replacement
  13. MRI
  14. Osteoarthritis
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  16. Pain Management
  17. Partial shoulder replacement
  18. Robotic-arm assisted knee resurfacing
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  20. Shoulder replacement surgery
  21. Stem Cells Get Hip
  22. Stickler syndrome
  23. Symptom Checker
  24. Tailbone pain
  25. Integrative approaches to treating pain
  26. Nutrition and pain
  27. Pain rehabilitation
  28. Self-care approaches to treating pain
  29. Thumb Reconstruction
  30. Cane tips
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  33. MRI
  34. Tai chi
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