This disease is characterized by classical clinical features among which the main symptoms that draw a patient’s attention are PAIN and FUNCTIONAL RESTRICTION.

If you have observed the following features about your pain then you should consult a doctor:

• Your pain is of insidious onset (over months or years).
• Your pain is variable or intermittent (not consistent) over time and you experience good days (without or with less pain) and bad days (with pain).
• Your pain is mainly related to movement and weight bearing.
• Your pain is relieved on taking rest.
• Your joint feels stiff on getting up in the morning but only for a brief period (<15min).
• Only few joints are painful (not multiple regional pains).
• Pain is accompanied by a grinding sensation (crepitus).

When osteoarthritis involves the spine, it can affect the bones of the neck and lower back, and may cause numbness, tingling, pain or weakness in the extremities.