Degenerative Disc Disease

Osteoarthritis and degenerative joint disease, or degenerative disc disease, are umbrella terms that apply to all of the larger, weight-bearing joints, including the spine. Osteoarthritis that affects the spine is often referred to as spondylosis. (Note: Osteoarthritis is not related to the more serious rheumatoid arthritis.) Spine care practitioners commonly use degenerative disc disease to describe the condition of a narrowing of the spaces between the vertebrae where the discs reside.

Degenerated discs become dry and stiff, and lose much of their vertical height and cushioning ability. This promotes the growth of bone spurs, or osteophytes, in an effort to reinforce the joint.