Prevalence of disc height narrowing and joint osteoarthritis has increased 2 fold in individuals in the age grouping of 60-69, and has increased 4 fold in individuals in the age grouping of 70-89 years of age. The progression of these conditions were observed to have occurred 40-70% more frequently in women than in men.
Researchers discovered these results using CT scans which were taken 6 years apart within a cohort of 1200 members from the Framingham Study dating back to the 1940s, to evaluate severity of disc disease and spinal osteoarthritis.
Among older adults pain, decreased function, and rising healthcare costs are caused by degenerative spinal conditions such as disc height narrowing and joint osteoarthritis. Relatively little is known in regards to frequency and progression of spinal degenerative disease despite the clinical importance, which is why the team conducted this study to describe the progression and prevalence in a population based cohort, according to the researchers.
