What is Degenerative Disc Disease and What are its Symptoms?

Though you may have heard of the condition, you might still be wondering, “What is degenerative disc disease?” In short, it’s a spinal condition that is caused by the deterioration of the intervertebral discs, which occurs gradually over time. Intervertebral discs are pad-like structures that are located between adjacent vertebrae in the neck and back. Discs essentially act as shock absorbers, providing cushioning to their adjoining vertebrae and aiding with the spine’s movement and weight-bearing responsibilities. Over time, these rigorous tasks can eventually take their toll on the discs, causing them to slowly break down. Eventually, discs can weaken to the point that they become susceptible to herniating and bulging.

It is typically not until the point that an individual has developed a herniated or bulging disc that the symptoms of degenerative disc disease rear their ugly heads. That’s because herniated and bulging discs sometimes cause a narrowing of the spinal canal, often leading to the compression of a spinal nerve, nerve root, or even the spinal cord itself. Numbness, muscle weakness, tingling, and pain can all result from neural compression. The location at which these symptoms are experienced will vary depending on which region of the spine is affected:

– Cervical spine (neck) – Symptoms can appear in the neck, upper back, shoulders, arms and/or hands.

– Thoracic spine (middle back) – Patients may experience discomfort in the middle back, torso, ribs, and/or internal organs.

– Lumbar spine (lower back) – Parts affected can include the lower back, hips, buttocks, legs, and/or feet.

How is the Condition Treated?

Treatment for degenerative disc disease almost always begins with conservative, nonsurgical methods. This can include one or more of the following:

– Over-the-counter, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen to block the body’s production of the COX-1 and/or COX-2 enzymes

– The application of heat to increase blood flow to the affected area and aid in the healing process

– The application of ice, which can numb pain and reduce swelling

– Physical therapy to strengthen the muscles in the neck and back to relieve some of the strain that is being placed on the affected nerve

– Lifestyle changes including weight loss, becoming more physically active, quitting smoking, and reducing alcohol consumption, among others

Some patients may choose to complement these treatments with a variety of alternative therapies. Though the medical community has yet to agree on the overall effectiveness of a number of these therapies, many patients assert that their symptoms are relieved thanks to acupuncture, restorative yoga, and herbal supplements, among other therapies.

Does Degenerative Disc Disease Require Surgery?

The majority of patients are able to find adequate relief from the symptoms of degenerative disc disease through the use of conservative treatments and/or alternative therapies. However, a small percentage of patients may find little to no relief even after utilizing nonsurgical treatments for several weeks or months. These patients may be advised to consider undergoing a surgical procedure. While in the past a patient’s only option may have been highly invasive open spine surgery, some are now given the choice between an invasive operation and an endoscopic procedure. A minimally invasive procedure can offer a number of advantages over open spine surgery, most notably being that an endoscopic procedure is performed on an out-patient basis. Patients who undergo a minimally invasive procedure are also at a reduced risk for infection, blood clot, or internal bleeding.

Before consenting to any operation for degenerative disc disease, patients would be wise to receive a second – or even third – opinion to ensure that they received the proper diagnosis to begin with.

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 the treatment of degenerative disc disease and several other spinal conditions.

Patrick Foote is the Director of eBusiness at Laser Spine Institute. Laser Spine Institute specializes in safe and effective outpatient procedures for the treatment of degenerative disc disease and other spinal conditions. 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 the treatment of degenerative disc disease and several other spinal conditions.

Category: Medicines and Remedies
Keywords: what is degenerative disc disease