Ask:
I started having extreme pain in my back a few years ago, and I just recently had an MRI and they diagnosed me with degenerative joint disease. How quickly does it progress and what are the treatment options? I am scared and I want to know what to expect short term and long term. I have done some research and it seems like the only treatments are nerve blocker shots and pain pills. Is this something that can be fixed or is it a matter of pain management?
Answer:
Osteoarthritis, sometimes called degenerative joint disease or osteoarthrosis, is the most common form of arthritis. Osteoarthritis occurs when cartilage in your joints wears down over time. It can affect any joint in your body, though it most commonly affects joints in your hands, hips, knees and spine. Typically just one joint is affected, but in some cases, several joints are involved .
Osteoarthritis gradually worsens with time, and no cure exists. But treatments can relieve pain and help you remain active.
Since this disease has been diagnosed so early & at such a young age in your case, you might check into the underlying causes first. Treating those may help ease some of the pain you are experiencing.
Osteoarthritis usually affects women over 40, but a few other factors can increase your risk:
Bone deformities. Some people are born with malformed joints or defective cartilage, which can increase the risk of osteoarthritis.
Joint injuries. Injuries, such as those that occur when playing sports or from an accident, may increase the risk of osteoarthritis.
Obesity. Carrying more body weight places more stress on your weight-bearing joints, such as your knees. But obesity has also been linked to an increased risk of osteoarthritis in the hands, as well.
Bone and joint diseases that increase the risk of osteoarthritis include gout, rheumatoid arthritis, Paget’s disease of bone and septic arthritis.
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Treatment options for moderate osteoarthritis :
Continue exercising when possible and resting when you need to. If you’re overweight, continue working to lose weight.
Medications that may be useful for moderate arthritis include:
Acetaminophen. Acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) can relieve pain, but doesn’t reduce inflammation. Continue reading I am 24 years old, and I was diagnosed with degenerative joint disease.How quickly does it progress?