I have recently been diagnosed with degenerative arthritis in my spine. I also have lots of other back problems (scoliosis, bulging discs, lack of lordosis...etc). The main problem is that I am only 23yrs old. I can't seem to find anything on how this form of arthritis progresses. I want to know what kind of future I can have physically. If it is already bad now at this age, then what will it do to me in 10, 20 years? Will I be able to walk? I am really concerned about this.

My doc said that it is already fairly advanced and that it is causing the joints in my vertebrae to grow extra bone and I may get bone spurs that will have to be removed. This alongside my other back problems makes me worried that I will end up rupturing discs or maybe have nerve damage. And how mobile will I be in the years ahead, what am I facing here? Any thoughts on this or info on the progression of my arthritis would be great.

Me too! I have arthrosis of L3-5 and degenerative disc disease, had fusion c 5-6-7 in March, also had L5/s1 disc removed in 1999. I am 47 and suffered with back pain since my early 20's. I was very athletic, skiing, biking, tennis, mountain climbing, aerobics high impact and hard labor yard work. I don't know if that made my problems worse or not. But I have worked in a very sedantary job for 20yrs. I get little exercise there and alot of stress. I would suggest walking and activites that don't put too much stress on the body. I think my degeneration and arthritis has probably been there all along since 20's. I did the chiropractic thing and suffered without diagnosis. It is a good thing you know now and can hopefully prevent it from getting to the herniations I have had. I lifted things and paid the price. What can you do when it gets this advanced? well, I am hoping to get disability so I won't get worse and try to walk and rest. Stress doesn't help and working in pain causes more stress. Best wishes to you and get an mri if the pain gets worse. Be good to yourself! cj