Is degenerative joint disease the same as osteoarthritis?
I've just been diagnosed with degenerative joint disease. I'm only 46 and I've been dealing with this pain for at least 15 years. Is it common for someone as young as me to have severe degenerative joint disease?
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Degenerate joint disease (DJD) and osteoarthritis are the same thing.
DJD is a progressive disease that takes time to occur. While it more commonly occurs in older people, it's not restricted to older people, it can occur in very young people as well. I've treated patients as young as in their 20's for severe DJD.
Like a sagging door that's not properly attached to it's hinges or a sliding panel that's not fully on it's tracks, it can wear out at the edges if not corrected right away. The longer it's not corrected, the more wear occurs. That's what's happening in your case, you need to correct the misalignment in your joint before you completely wear it out. I refer my DJD patients to a specially trained chiropractor who does a thorough examination to see where the problem is and correct it for good. I recommend you give them a try before it's too late and you're forced to have surgery for joint replacement.
http://www.gonsteadseminar.com/referral.aspx
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How effective are steroid injections compared to surgery for degenerative discs in the spine?
I have considerable pain in my neck, thorasic, and lumbar areas due to multiple injuries from earlier in life. I finally went to the doctor and was sent to have an MRI to see what the matter is. They found degenerative discs and feel the first approach is to inject steroids into the discs to facilitate cell regrowth. However, I don't know what the typical results are. I've heard from a friend of mine who is a paralegal that has seen way too many litigation cases for steroid treatments claiming they don't work.
So, before I accept the recommendation for sticking a needle into my spine several locations for weeks, I'd like to know if it's worth taking the chance. Do steroid injections work for disc repair? Or should I seek out a surgeon instead.
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Who is recommending the steroid injections?? This is usually the advice given by a neurologist( neurosurgeon). There are is a series of events before surgery is the only option. Most times, the first step is Physical Therapy to help with strengthening exercises that will reduce the pain. When this in ineffective, then the steriod injections are next. Steroid injections work great for tennis elbow and even rotator cuff tear. I had cervical spinal stenosis( narrowing of the space where the nerves lie) in addition to cervical disk protrusion, and arthritis. I opted to try the steroid injections into my neck. The first one seemed to irritate my symptoms but, I thought that was normal. After the second injection, my symptoms were so much worse. I made a follow-up appt. with my Neurosurgeon and he agreed that after 2 injections, with the severity on my symptoms, to not take the 3rd injection. So, in this case, I would suggest that you speak with a neurologist and ask for recommendations. Some insurance companies will insist that other options are tried before they will pay for any surgical intervention. I had my cervical spinal fusion ( 2 metal plates) June 06' and, I'm pain free. Consult with a Neurosurgeon, bring you MRI test ( on disc). I hope that this helps and Good Luck. (
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What can eb done at young age to aviod degenerative disks?
Is there anything one can do to avoid a degenerative disk when they become much older?
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Exercise and build your para spinal muscles. This will prevent too much stress on your inter vertebral disks during abnormal stress that can cause it to break. (
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How can I prevent myopia ( being nearsighted ) while doing close up work?
My eyes are -1
I read alot is there a way to prevent myopia while reading?
Should I wear my glasses while reading/using the computer or not?
Thanks x
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Don't wear your glasses for extended close work like reading or the computer, they are for distance.
Then when at the computer , take very frequent breaks to just look around the room, or outside....and keep your monitor at least 28 inches away. (
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I am 24 years old, and I was diagnosed with degenerative joint disease.How quickly does it progress?
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?
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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.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Over-the-counter NSAIDs include ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others) and naproxen sodium (Aleve). Stronger versions of these NSAIDs and others are available by prescription.
Tramadol. Tramadol (Ultram) is a centrally acting analgesic that's available by prescription.
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Treatment options for severe osteoarthritis:
If you've tried other treatments but are still experiencing severe pain and disability, you and your doctor can discuss other treatments including:
Stronger painkillers. Prescription pain pills, such as codeine and propoxyphene (Darvon), may provide relief from more severe osteoarthritis pain.
Cortisone shots. Injections of corticosteroid medications may relieve pain in your joint.
Surgery for osteoarthritis is generally reserved for severe osteoarthritis that isn't relieved by other treatments. You may consider surgery if your osteoarthritis makes it very difficult to go about your daily tasks. Surgical treatments include:
Joint replacement. In joint replacement surgery (arthroplasty), your surgeon removes your damaged joint surfaces and replaces them with plastic and metal devices called prostheses. The hip and knee joints are the most commonly replaced joints. But today implants can replace your shoulder, elbow, finger or ankle joints.
Cleaning up the area around the joint (debridement). Your surgeon may recommend removing loose pieces of cartilage and bone from around your joint to relieve your pain.
Surgery to realign bones may also relieve pain. These types of procedures are typically used when joint replacement surgery isn't an option, such as in younger people with osteoarthritis.
Fusing bones. Surgeons also can permanently fuse bones in a joint (arthrodesis) to increase stability and reduce pain. The fused joint can then bear weight without pain, but has no flexibility. Arthrodesis may be an option if you experience severe pain in your joint, but can't undergo joint replacement surgery.
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Two of my relatives have this disease & they have had the most luck with the Cortisone shots in their back. Also taking glucosamine and chondroitin, nutritional supplements, have been very helpful in pain relief. In addition, Tai Chi & yoga are great low impact stretching exercises that can help you with flexibility. Ask your doctor for a physical therapy referral if possible.. A physical therapist can really be helpful in pain relief & in teaching stretching & other related exercises that can greatly benefit you physically.
The Arthritis Foundation offers classes for people with osteoarthritis or chronic pain. Ask your doctor about classes in your area or check with the Arthritis Foundation. These classes teach skills that help you manage your osteoarthritis pain. http://www.arthritis.org/programs.php
Hope this info has been helpful. good luck!
Here are a few helpful sites:
http://www.healthscout.com/ency/416/577/main.html#DefinitionofDegenerativeJointDisease
http://www.aafp.org/afp/20020301/841.html
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/osteoarthritis/DS00019/DSECTION=1
http://www.umm.edu/patiented/articles/what_medications_used_osteoarthritis_000035_9.htm
Here's an additional link to any clinical trials being held nationwide concerning osteoarthritis:
http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/results?cond="Osteoarthritis"
Talk with your doctor to see if any current trials would benefit you. (
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Is degenerative disc disease and arthritis the same thing?
My husband was recently in a auto accident at work. They did a CT Scan of his head and neck. The doctor said that the CT Scan found that he has arthritis in his neck. After receiving the report ourselves to take to another doctor it reads: "There is minimal early degenerative disc disease with osteophyte formation predominatly at C5-6. " My husband never had a problem with his neck before the accident . Now he is in pain and it pops and crunches when he moves it. Are they the same thing? What treatments are there for it? He is going to see a Orthopaedic Specialist but not for another 3 weeks.
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No they are not the same thing, but they do commonly go together. Arthritis is pain due to joints rubbing together over time and breaking down the lining between them. Degenerative Disc is just what it sounds like, the disc begin breaking down and crumbling usually due to pressure on the specific joint. I have Scoliosis and I also have Arthritis and Degenerative Disc too. All three together really sucks.
They will probably need to go in and replace the discs with plastic discs or even fuse them together. Hope it goes well for your husband. And before he gets any type of surgery, please get a second and even a third opinion. (
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What treatment or surgery can I do to correct a myopia-refraction error greater than - 8.00 diopters ?
My medical waiver was denied from the air force after they sent me to an eye counsel. I have a myopia-refraction error greater than - 8.00 diopters ( spherical equivalent ).
What treatment or surgery can I get to overturn that so I can enlist in Combat Control or Security Forces ?
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lasik or PRK. i'm pretty sure most branches of the military accept lasik now. (
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Is there anyway to lower your eye degrees for myopia?
I'm 14 and I've been wearing glasses since the 5th grade but now I wear soft contact lenses everytime I go out. Right now my degrees is -3.25 and -3.5 but I was wondering if there was any way I could lower my degrees or stop it from highering so much because my myopia gets worse by about -1+ or more every year.
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Hey,
I have Myopia as well, but not as much as you do. I have 1.5 by 1.75
Well, I searched indefinitely on the net, trying to find a permanent cure for it, but the stuff on there is all a load of crap.
The only Real cure is performing refractive surgery, which aims at reconstructing the pertinent curvature of the cornea. Besides, that, you'll have to wear glasses till you reach the appropriate age, and THEN you can undergo the opperation.
But seriously, glasses aren't THAT bad. As a matter of fact, they're not bad at all. So don't sweat it kiddo!! (
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Is there a cure for myopia and hyperopia?
From my understanding, myopia and hyperopia (as well as certain forms of astigmatism) are caused by an irregular shape of the eyeball. If this is so, have scientists found a way to reshape the eyeball and cure these conditions? Are there other implications that conditions like myopia and hyperopia cause that make this difficult? What relevant research is being done today?
I developed myopia and a very young age and had it get increasingly worse, up until the point where I can not see anything more then a few inches away clearly without glasses. I've always been curious about this. I don't mind wearing contacts or glasses all the time, but it would be nice if there was a way to actually cure this!
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A person developing a refractive error (myopia/hyperopia/astigmatism) is mainly due to their genetics.
However, it is still not fully understood what causes people genetically susceptible to refractive errors to develop them while others do not. That is where the environmental factors apparently come into play. This issue is very complex and as of now there is no concrete evidence to actually prove any theory 100 percent. The only thing that has been proven is that genes are involved in developing refractive error and many other factors are involved! Scientists believe that people who develop refractive error because they are genetically susceptibility also combined with tissue alterations influenced by environmental factors. Since the development of refractive errors is still not fully understood, at this time there still is no "cure". You cannot cure something that is not fully understood.
Laser eye treatments can be preformed to correct vision and obviously contact lenses and glasses can be worn to correct vision, but at this time there is no actual cure or way to prevent refractive errors.
Most of the research that I have seen done involves myopia and focuses mainly on what causes a person to develop it.
Here is some information I have dug up from some myopia studies if you are interested:
"A study of 506 pairs of twins (both identical and non-identical) confirmed an earlier study by the same group that genes are by far the most important factor with a heritability of 89% - environmental factors only accounted for 11%. "
Research is still not conclusive on this matter so as it stands nearsightedness is predominately genetic, since even small deviations from normal structure cause significant refractive errors, it may be difficult to single out any specific genetic or environmental factor as their cause.
"Only 6%-15% of children with myopia come from families in which neither parent is myopic. In families with one myopic parent, 23%-40% of the children develop myopia. If both parents are myopic, the rate rises to 33%-60% for their children. One American study found that children with two myopic parents are 6.42 times as likely to develop myopia themselves as children with only one or no myopic parents. The precise interplay of genetic and environmental factors in these family patterns, however, is not yet known."
Anyways check out the links for more info :) Hope this helps a bit :) (
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I am 26yo and have early degenerative changes in my lower throacic spine. What do I do now?
I recently had an x-ray and it said early disc spacing and degenerative changes as T11/12 and T12/L1, However my doctor said everything was fine. I have a strong family history of back problems and my back hurts everyday.
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Please,...obtain a different medical Opinion from another
physcian...I did, and it was the best thing for me. Good luck. (
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