Expert Advice   Print Version Q. Both my parents have osteoarthritis. Does the pain in my upper back mean that I'm getting it too? A. Not necessarily. Upper back pain has a variety of causes. Osteoarthritis (OA) is only one of many possibilities. Because OA has been linked to heredity, your symptoms may be the result of faulty cartilage being passed on to you. But OA is primarily a result of the aging process. The joint changes that happen with OA are often described as "wear and tear," much like a machine that wears out over time. It is estimated that OA affects more than one-third of all people over the age of 60, and more than 80% of people over age 70. Your pain may have started from a strain to your upper back, poor posture, weakness in the muscles of the upper back, or even a problem in your neck.You should see your doctor to determine the cause of your upper back pain. Your doctor can also help you find ways to ease the pain and prevent future problems. Print Version		Anatomy and Function of the Spine Spondylolysis and Spondylolisthesis Diagnostic Tests for Spine Problems Q. When can I play golf, ride a bike, or go hiking after spine surgery? A. It depends on the type and location of your surgery. A micro-discectomy… Clicking on any of the links will take you to a Web site to which this Privacy Policy does not apply. You are solely responsible for your interactions with such Web sites. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons

Home | Articles | Expert Advice | Medical Professionals | Topic Centers | Locator | Glossary | Search | Contact Us

© DePuy Spine, Inc. 2003-2009. All rights reserved. This site is owned and published by DePuy Spine, Inc., which is solely responsible for its contents. This site is intended for residents of the U.S. only. For more information see our Privacy Policy and Legal Notice.