Degenerative Disk Disease

Degenerative disc disease is a condition that can significantly impact your quality of life. It affects people of all ages but is more commonly seen in the elderly.

What is Degenerative Disc Disease?

Despite its name, degenerative disc disease is not actually a disease but a condition where damaged intervertebral discs cause chronic pain. These discs serve as cushions between the spine’s vertebrae and are typically gel-filled to provide flexibility, enabling us to perform everyday movements comfortably.

As people age, their spinal discs are subject to normal wear and tear, which is a natural aspect of the aging process. They also start to dry out and shrink.

When these cushions deteriorate, it causes the bones to rub against each other, leading to various complications including:

• Adult scoliosis, characterized by curvature of the spine
• Herniated disc also known as a bulged, slipped, or ruptured disc
• Spinal stenosis which occurs when the spaces around the spine narrow
• Spondylolisthesis where vertebrae move in and out of their normal positions

Symptoms of Degenerative Disc Disease

Degenerative disc disease symptoms may vary from person to person but generally include:

• Pain and Discomfort: The discs in our spines naturally decline over time. Sometimes people may only ever suffer from mild degenerative disc disease, but for others, the condition can lead to severe or chronic pain. The pain may occur in the lower back, upper back, or even in the neck and may also extend into the arms and legs.
• Intermittent Pain: The symptoms may come and go, although the pain might last for several weeks or months. The problem may also be worse with movements such as sitting, bending, or lifting.
• Numbness and Tingling: People with degenerative disc disease may experience sensations of numbness or tingling, also known as paresthesia. These feelings can also be intermittent or constant.
• Muscle Weakness: Degenerative disc disease can weaken the muscles around the affected area that can interfere with daily tasks and even limit mobility.

Causes of Degenerative Disc Disease

There is not one precise cause of degenerative disc disease.

Rather, it can be attributed to a number of factors:

• Wear and Tear: Daily activities and aging are natural factors that contribute to the wear and tear of the spinal discs. These can lead to small tears or cracks in the disc wall, which can cause pain and limit movement.
• Injuries: A significant injury or trauma can damage a disc and accelerate its degeneration. This includes spinal injuries from accidents, falls, or sports-related activities.
• Genetics: There is evidence to suggest that genetics play a role in the development of degenerative disc disease. Certain inherited characteristics may predispose some individuals to experience a more rapid degeneration of their discs.

Diagnosis of Degenerative Disc Disease

A proper diagnosis for degenerative disc disease ensures tailored treatment, minimizes unnecessary interventions, empowers informed decision-making, and enables timely management to mitigate the progression of the problem and improve quality of life.

Diagnosing degenerative disc disease will typically involve the following:

• Medical History Review: Your doctor will discuss your symptoms and review your medical history. This will include any prior diagnoses, family history, and a clear understanding of your pain points.
• Physical Examination: A thorough physical examination will be conducted to check for tenderness, range of motion, and the presence of any neurological symptoms (such as paresthesia).
• Diagnostic Testing: Your spine doctor may use various methods to determine the extent of your problem. In some cases, they may need to refer you for X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans to get a better picture of your spine and the condition of the intervertebral discs.

Treatment for Degenerative Disc Disease

The treatment for degenerative disc disease can be focused on pain management or aimed at correcting the underlying condition.

• Pain Management: Pain can be managed with over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). In more severe cases, your doctor may prescribe stronger pain medication.
• Physical Therapy: A physical therapist can provide exercises and stretches to help reinforce the muscles surrounding the spine and improve flexibility and mobility.
• Surgical Options: In cases of severe degenerative disc disease, where non-surgical treatments have proven insufficient, surgical options may be considered. These can include procedures such as disc replacement, where an artificial spinal disc is used to replace the damaged one to restore functional movement and alleviate pain, or spinal fusion, where the vertebrae are fused, eliminating motion between them to reduce pain. In some cases, your surgeon may recommend microdiscectomy to remove part of a damaged disc.
• Lifestyle Changes: Coping with degenerative disc disease can be greatly improved through lifestyle adjustments, such as regular low-impact exercises to strengthen the back muscles, posture improvement to reduce strain on the spine, and maintaining good nutrition for healthy body weight to relieve excess pressure on the spine.

Living with Degenerative Disc Disease

Living with degenerative disc disease can be challenging, but it’s not impossible.

It requires a multifaceted approach:

• Emotional Support: Chronic pain can take a toll on your emotional well-being. Joining a support group or seeking therapy can help you cope with mental stress.
• Ergonomic Adjustments: Simple ergonomic changes in your workspace and home can ease discomfort and prevent further strain.
• Comprehensive Healthcare Team: Seeking treatment from one of our spinal specialists will ensure you can access optimal holistic care, drawing from a network of healthcare professionals.
• Supportive Tools: Using supportive tools like lumbar cushions can alleviate pain during prolonged sitting or driving.

Understanding degenerative disc disease is the first step in managing its impact on your life. By familiarizing yourself with the symptoms, causes, and treatment options, you are equipped to make informed decisions about your health. Remember, the key to managing degenerative disc disease is a combination of medical treatment, lifestyle changes, and a positive mindset.

If you suspect you are suffering from this condition, book a consultation with one of our expert neurosurgeons today for a proper evaluation and personalized care plan.