Which statement describes the progression of OA/DDD?

Which statement describes the progression of OA/DDD?

• A. Starts around age 40 and progresses.
• B. Progression begins in infancy.
• C. Progression is not a feature of OA/DDD.
• D. Progression occurs only in the cervical spine.

Answer: (A)

OA and degenerative disc disease are chronic, age-related degenerative processes. Over time, joints lose cartilage and discs lose hydration and height, while bone responds with remodeling and osteophyte formation. This is inherently progressive: symptoms and radiographic changes typically worsen over years. The onset tends to be in middle age—around the fourth decade—and it continues to advance rather than appearing in infancy or remaining non-progressive. And although the spine can be involved at any level, OA/DDD are not limited to the cervical spine; multiple joints and regions commonly show progression with aging.

OA and degenerative disc disease are chronic, age-related degenerative processes. Over time, joints lose cartilage and discs lose hydration and height, while bone responds with remodeling and osteophyte formation. This is inherently progressive: symptoms and radiographic changes typically worsen over years. The onset tends to be in middle age—around the fourth decade—and it continues to advance rather than appearing in infancy or remaining non-progressive. And although the spine can be involved at any level, OA/DDD are not limited to the cervical spine; multiple joints and regions commonly show progression with aging.