Expert: Dr. Paul Newhart - 3/15/2008

Question
Dr,

I am a veteran.  I have always had issues with back pain while exercising.  I was reviewing my old records and they iundicate that at 25 I showed signs of mild anterior osteophyte formation with end plate sclerosis at T6-T7 level, consistent with early degenerative changes.  What are some of the long term concerns with this and could I have started doing something about it 10 years ago.

Answer
If noting at all is done to correct the situation, that area will continue to degenerate and the disk will be lost.  Spurring will continue, and pressure will be put on a nerve.  Degeneration is your body's response to a weakness; bone is added to strengthen  that area.  A good chiropractor will work on correcting the alignment issues that may be present, and set you on a good rehab program to strengthen the spine.