Degenerative Disc Disease                  << Back

As we age, the water and protein content of the body's cartilage changes. This change results in weaker, more fragile and thin cartilage.

Because both the discs and the joints that stack the vertebrae (facet joints) are partly composed of cartilage, these areas are subject to wear and tear over time (degenerative changes). The gradual deterioration of the disc between the vertebrae is referred to as Degenerative Disc Disease.

Degeneration of the disc is medically referred to as spondylosis. Spondylosis can be noted on x-ray tests or MRI scanning of the spine as a narrowing of the normal "disc space" between the adjacent vertebrae. An MRI scan may show the early changes of a loss of water content in the disc.

Degeneration of the disc tissue makes the disc more susceptible to herniation. Degeneration of the disc can cause local pain in the affected area. Any level of the spine can be affected by disc degeneration. When disc degeneration affects the spine of the neck, it is referred to as cervical disc disease. When the mid-back is affected, the condition is referred to as thoracic disc disease.

Disc degeneration that affects the lumbar spine is referred to as lumbago. Lumbago causes pain localized to the low back and is common in older persons.

Disc degeneration can occur at any level of the spine and can cause local pain in the affected area with radiation of pain along the nerves emerging from the spinal canal at that level. Symptomatic lumbar disc degeneration is most common in people of working age, usually between 30 and 50.

Causes of Degenerative Disc Disease

Several factors, including genetic factors and changes in hydration and collagen, are believed to play a role in the development of degenerative disc disease.

As we age, the water and protein content of the body's cartilage changes. This change results in weaker, more fragile and thinner cartilage. Because both the discs and the joints that stack the vertebrae (facet joints) are partly composed of cartilage, these areas are subject to wear and tear over time (degenerative changes), known as degenerative disc disease.

The vertebrae of the spinal column are separated from each other by cartilaginous cushions known as intervertebral discs. The discs provide structural support to the spine and act as shock absorbers, taking in the stress created by movement. The discs are mostly water, allowing them to be very elastic and absorb stress. However, age, repetitive strain, and (possibly) genetics cause disc wear and tear. Because there is little blood supply to the disc, it cannot repair itself if injured.

Symptoms of Degenerative Disc Disease

Degenerative disc disease can produce pain as a worn disc becomes thin, narrowing the space between the vertebrae. With less space available, nerves may become compressed, causing them to swell and signal pain. Pieces of the damaged disc may also break off and cause irritation of the nerves. As the disc loses its ability to absorb stress and provide support, other parts of the spine become overloaded, thus leading to irritation, inflammation, fatigue, muscle spasms, and back pain.

The amount of pain from degenerative disc disease can vary from mildly irritating to severely debilitating. Most patients have some underlying chronic low back pain with intermittent episodes of severe pain. Usually, sitting worsens the pain more than standing. Bending, twisting, and lifting generally worsen the pain and lying down reduces it by relieving the strain on the disc space.

In addition to back pain, there may also be pain, numbness, and tingling in the legs if the disc degeneration is located in the lower spine. Pain in the neck, shoulder blades, arms, and hands as well as numbness and tingling in the shoulder and arms may be present for disc degeneration in the upper spine. Thoracic or mid back pain radiates around the rib cage.

Degenerative disc disease can cause local pain in the affected area. Any level of the spine can be affected by disc degeneration. When disc degeneration affects the spine of the neck, it is referred to as cervical degenerative disc disease. When the mid-back is affected, the condition is referred to as thoracic degenerative disc disease. Disc degeneration that affects the lumbar spine has been previously referred to as lumbago. Lumbago causes pain localized to the low back and is common in older persons.

Treatment of Degenerative Disc Disease

Recommended medical treatment is generally open back or micro-discal surgery, with high risks, hospital stays and lengthy recuperation time.  But now patients have the option of Spinal Decompression and Laser Therapy Program^®.a gentle, affordable and effective non-surgical solution.

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