Osteoarthritis refers to the degeneration of the joint that occurs with use. Most people over the age of thirty will show some degree of "wear and tear" in their joints from the stresses of everyday life. Osteoarthritis cannot be repaired but further damage can be minimised by improving the muscles that surround the joint. In the lumbar spine this refers to the "core musculature" and specifically refers to to the force, timing and sequencing of muscle activation rather than the strength of the muscles in this region. The pain from osteoarthritis can also be improved through various manual techniques such as myofascial release and mobilisation.