The cervical region of the spine is particularly susceptible to degenerative disc disease, because the neck is extremely flexible and must bear the weight of the skull. Flexibility is a contributing factor to the development of the condition because the intervertebral discs in the cervical region are subjected to a great deal of stress-inducing motion like nodding or turning the head. The weight-bearing function of the neck is also a factor because the anatomical components of the discs can only hold up to so much pressure over an extended period of time. The same factors apply to the lumbar (lower back) region of the spine, which is the site of most occurrences of degenerative disc disease population-wide.

Defining Degenerative Disc Disease

What is degenerative disc disease? To begin with, it’s important to understand that it’s not actually a disease, per se. Rather, it is the gradual deterioration of the components of the intervertebral discs, along with the related physical and neurological consequences. The condition usually is a natural result of the aging process, although traumatic injury or repetitive stress can be contributing factors. To understand why that is, it’s helpful to know the basics of disc anatomy.

Anatomy of Intervertebral Discs and Deterioration

The intervertebral discs serve as cushions between the vertebrae. Discs are composed of two parts: an inner, gel-like substance (nucleus pulposus) and a layered, tough outer wall (annulus fibrosus). The elasticity of a healthy disc allows the spine to flex. As an individual ages, the inner gel-like material of a disc begins to lose water content, while the outer wall can become brittle. Over time, as the disc dehydrates, becomes rigid, and begins to lose height due to the pressure caused by the vertebrae pushing from above and below the disc. Eventually, the disc’s weakened outer wall can succumb to this excess pressure by bulging out of its normal boundary (a bulging disc). Fissures can begin to form along the wall, allowing the gel-like material to leak into the spinal column (a herniated disc).

Another potential physical consequence of disc deterioration is greater stress placed on the joints where the vertebrae meet and articulate (facet joints). The cartilage that envelops these joints can begin to break down (osteoarthritis), jeopardizing spinal stability. The body often responds to a reduction of spinal stability by growing bone spurs (osteophytes), which are smooth, bony projections that occur along the edges of vertebrae. A loss of joint integrity might also lead to the slippage of one vertebra over another, which is known as spondylolisthesis.

All of these degenerative spine conditions – bulging discs, herniated discs, bone spurs, and spondylolisthesis – can occur at any level of the spine, but they are not always symptomatic. Only when these anatomical abnormalities come into contact with the spinal cord or adjacent nerve roots will serious and chronic symptoms arise. This contact with nerve tissue is known as nerve compression.

Treating Nerve Compression in the Neck

Symptomatic degenerative disc disease in the neck can produce neck pain, as well as radiating pain, tingling, numbness, or muscle weakness in the upper back, shoulders, arms, hands, and fingers. It might also lead to headaches, muscle spasms, cramping, or other neurological problems, depending on the location of the nerve compression. Although these symptoms can become debilitating in some instances, the vast majority of patients with cervical nerve compression find that they can manage their symptoms using a regimen of conservative, nonsurgical treatment developed by working closely with a doctor.

Treatment Methods

The most common conservative method is pain medication, either over-the-counter medicine for mild pain, or prescription medication for more severe chronic symptoms. Another effective tool is the application of heat to improve circulation and/or cold to reduce swelling. Many patients find that behavior modification works effectively, along with stretching, low-impact exercise, and physical therapy. Corticosteroid injections that numb an affected area and block pain signals to and from the brain also are frequently used, although the effect is temporary. Finally, some patients have turned to alternative methods of treatment, including chiropractic adjustments and acupuncture. The efficacy of many alternative methods remains open to debate.

In most cases, surgery should be considered only after all conservative treatment methods have been exhausted. Many patients find that it takes several weeks to find the right combination of treatment to achieve pain relief, so persistence and open communication with a doctor are key.

Author Bio: Patrick Foote is the Director of eBusiness at Laser Spine Institute, the leader in endoscopic spine surgery. Laser Spine Institute specializes in safe and effective outpatient procedures for degenerative disc disease and several other spinal conditions.

Category: Medical Business
Keywords: Degenerative disc disease