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    Degenerative changes in the spine: Is this arthritis?

    By Mayo Clinic Staff
    Jan. 23, 2024

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

    Yes. The term "degenerative changes" in the spine refers to osteoarthritis of the spine. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. Healthcare professionals also may refer to it as degenerative arthritis or degenerative joint disease.

    Osteoarthritis in the spine most commonly happens in the neck and lower back. With age, the soft disks that act as cushions between the bones in the spine, called 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 healthcare professional will work with you to develop a treatment and pain management plan. This may include exercise, medicines and measures to protect your joints. You also may be referred to a rheumatologist, a physical therapist or an orthopedic surgeon.

    1. Osteoarthritis. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/osteoarthritis. Accessed Aug. 28, 2023.
    2. Doherty M. Clinical manifestations and diagnosis of osteoarthritis. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Aug. 28, 2023.
    3. Levin K. Cervical spondylotic myelopathy. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Sept. 11, 2023.
    4. Stone JH., et al. Osteoarthritis. In: Current Diagnosis & Treatment: Rheumatology. 4th ed. McGraw Hill; 2021. https://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com/. Accessed Aug. 28, 2023.
    5. Kellerman RD, et al. Osteoarthritis. In: Conn's Current Therapy 2023. Elsevier; 2023. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Aug. 28, 2023.

    FAQ-20058457

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