What are the causes of reactive end plate changes in the cervical spine?

Aging/activity: As we get older we develop some degree of osteoarthritis in many of our joints. The speed of these changes depends on the wear and tear/trauma or how much activity we have and are enduring. Reactive endplate changes may be considered some of the earliest changes in osteoarthritis we can get. In my opinion theses are common in people in their 40's and do not mean severe disease is going to occur.