Degenerative disc disease is a spinal condition that affects nearly all individuals as they reach middle age. The condition is defined as the gradual break down of the intervertebral discs, which are small pads located between adjacent, articulating vertebrae. Discs are responsible for absorbing shock and equally distributing the pressure that is placed on the spine when an individual bends, twists, and performs various other movements. Over time, these responsibilities can begin to take a toll on the discs, and they can literally begin to break under pressure.

Aging & the Intervertebral Discs

Discs are made up of two components: the annuli fibrosi (the discs’ tough outer shells) and the nuclei pulposi (the discs’ gelatinous centers). As an individual ages, the discs’ annuli can begin to harden, making them less adept at absorbing impact. At the same time, the nuclei can begin to lose water content, which can interfere with the discs’ ability to disperse impact evenly in all directions.

Herniated & Bulging Discs

Degenerative disc disease is often associated with two common spinal conditions: herniated and bulging discs. In the case of a herniated disc, the disc’s nucleus pulposus has entered into the spinal canal by way of a crack or tear in the annulus fibrosus, which typically occurs due to the hardening of the annulus. With a bulging disc, on the other hand, the nucleus pulposus remains contained within the annulus fibrosus, which has not (yet) developed a crack or tear. Rather, the disc’s wall has weakened to the point that it can no longer contain the nucleus within its normal boundaries, allowing it to shift out of place and bulge to one side or circumferentially.

Symptoms of Degenerative Disc Disease

Some patients who suffer from herniated or bulging discs experience no symptoms at all, while others can experience a variety of symptoms at a range of intensities. Whether a patient experiences symptoms or not largely depends on whether a herniated or bulging disc has led to neural compression. When a herniated nucleus pulposus or a misshapen disc wall comes into contact with a spinal nerve, nerve root, or even the spinal cord itself, patients can experience:

– Pain

– Numbness

– Tingling

– Muscle weakness

The location of these symptoms is dependent on the location of the neural compression. When a nerve in the cervical spine is affected, patients can experience symptoms in the head, neck, upper back, shoulders, arms, and/or hands. When the lumbar spine is affected, patients can feel discomfort in the lower back, hips, buttocks, legs and/or feet.

Treatments for Degenerative Disc Disease

The majority of patients who are diagnosed with a herniated or bulging disc will find relief in the form of conservative, nonsurgical treatments. This can include a combination of medication, physical therapy, lifestyle modifications, and/or alternative therapies. A small percentage of patients may require surgical decompression, which can require weeks or months of rehabilitation depending on the type of procedure performed. Patients who are advised to consider surgery would be best served to receive a second or third opinion to ensure that surgery truly is necessary.

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.

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. http://www.laserspineinstitute.com/back_problems/degenerative_disc_disease/

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: Medicines and Remedies
Keywords: Degenerative Disc Disease