Is there anything I can do to slow the progression of osteoarthritis?

I am only 19 years old and recently got x-ray results back that were taken because of back pain that has progressed over the last two years. My posture and alinement were all normal however I was told that I have a mild development of Osteoarthritis in my thorasic column. I know that genetics had a role in this because my mother also has a similar diagnosis, however she did not develop it until her 40s.

Is there anything I can do to slow the progression of my symptoms?

Other than my back I am in good health and weight. I also play volleyball weekly although, as some of you said, I should probably work on the stretching. Comments are good so far.

yes there few things u can do....if u r over weight then by reducing fat u can decrease weight on joints,u can also use walking stick...now there r lots of surgery procedure for good results

I have it also, and my doctor recommended regular, but gentle, exercise on a regular basis. Exercising in a pool is good. So is something like Tai Chi. Just try to keep moving, but not overdoign it. And you might try taking something with glucosamine and chondroitin.

Osteoarthritis is not the same thing as rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that is generally progressive. Osteoarthritis is a result of injury caused by overuse of a joint, which eventually wears down the cartilage. The problem goes away if the over use is stopped and as long as there is enough cartilage left to grow back.

There is a ton of stuff you can do - osteoarthritis is reversible, especially at your age. There isn't a simple treatment - it takes some work. You need to stretch and exercise regularly (several times per week) to build muscle strength and to keep the joints flexible, and you need to pay attention to your posture and gait. You doctor can set up a couple of visits to a physical therapist that can get you started. There's good info at this link:

You must see a rheumatologist or orthopedic surgeon to determine if the damage is localized or generalized. If localized (ie limited to one joint), then more than likely it was caused by damage, such as a slipped disc. If generalized, then it is probably developmental. I doubt that it is related to your mom's condition because it is not normally inherited. Osteoarthritis is usually caused by trauma or is age-related (your mom is in the proper age range - damage to joints over time - "old age").

If you are obese, then do as the others have said and lose weight. Obesity puts alot of strain on your joints, esp the knees. Exercising in the pool is great because this relieves pressure on the joints while giving extra resistance to the muscles. Strong muscles act like shock absorbers, thus preventing joint damage. They also keep joints in perfect alignment. Take analgesics for pain (ie tylenol-type products) rather than non-steroidals (aspirin, motrin, etc) because there is no proof that non-steroidals work better and they are more toxic. Glucosamine may also work and is non-toxic. Also, I'd advise you to read up on and follow a good diet. It can't hurt!

There is unfortunately nothing more that can be done medically at this point.