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Degenerative Joint Disease DJD is also commonly called Osteoarthritis, Spinal Arthritis and
Spondylosis.
Causes of Degenerative Joint Disease* Aging and normal spinal degeneration are the primary cause of DJD. The condition usually affects people over 45 years of age.* Woman have a greater risk of developing DJD than men. * Genetics can influence the development of DJD. The genetic trait is commonly inherited, especially on the mother’s side.
* Obesity can increase the chance for symptomatic DJD by up to 400%. Extra weight on the spine and joints will obviously be more stressful.
* Repetitive Motion can influence painful DJD development. This is especially true for heavy, repetitive work.
* Back Injuries can be starting points for symptomatic DJD to develop. Repetitive injuries to the same location are especially high risk for creating painful symptoms. Physical Cause of Degenerative Joint DiseaseDJD is caused by the erosion of cartilage around the spinal joints. A normal, healthy joint is surrounded by cartilage and lubricated by synovial fluid. Spinal facet joints degenerate, due to normal wear and tear from a lifetime of use. When this degeneration occurs, the cartilage is damaged and the lubricating fluid in the joint becomes less effective. This causes increased bone to bone contact. Bone on bone rubbing causes bone spurs (Osteophytes) to form around the spinal joints. These bone spurs can be painful, but are usually asymptomatic. Bone spurs are the second most commonly blamed source of foraminal stenosis in the spine, but are rarely the actual cause of pinched nerve conditions.
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