is degenerative disc disease and arthritis the same thing?
 No, degenerative disc disease and arthritis are not the same thing. Degenerative disc disease and arthritis are very similar, and often are considered the same. Arthritis, however, is a broader term that can include arthritis to any joint in the body and can include different causes, such as autoimmune, infectious, overuse, traumatic, aging, etc. Degenerative disc disease is specific to the spine and refers to arthritis that is usually age or overuse related. 