Degenerative disc disease, or DDD, is a misnomer. It is not actually a disease, but rather is linked to the natural aging process. As we age, our bodies begin to deteriorate, and the spine is no exception. However, while spinal degeneration happens to everyone, the problems resulting from degenerative disc disease generally occur in only a small percentage of people. For reasons not completely understood, people with DDD tend to experience spinal degeneration more rapidly and at a younger age than the general population. The “disease” part of degenerative disc disease refers to the pain, discomfort, and improper alignment of the spine that happens when discs degenerate.

How Can Degenerative Disc Disease Cause Pain and other Spinal Problems?

The human spine is made up primarily of small bones called vertebrae. In between these vertebrae lie discs that cushion the vertebrae and prevent the bones from rubbing against each other. The discs are filled with a fluid. The inner portion of the disc where the fluid is held is called the nucleus pulposus, and it is surrounded by an outer disc wall, called the annulus fibrosus.

It is believed that the nucleus pulposus retains its fluid by absorbing nutrients from the vertebral end plates above and below it. As we age, this process slows, and the discs diminish in their ability to absorb nutrients and retain water. The reduced amount of fluid in the discs causes the once jelly-like fluid to become a more fibrous material, and the discs become flatter.

As the disc fluid dehydrates, the discs become more delicate and less able to endure the pressure of the vertebrae pushing down on them, and the spine may move out of its proper alignment, causing discomfort. Also, the weakened discs may tear along the outer annulus fibrosus, which can cause pain. The disc will self-heal in most cases, but when healing it will form a weaker scar tissue, leaving the disc susceptible to further damage.

The worst case scenario with degenerative disc disease is when discs bulge or herniate. This is the one main consequence people are concerned about with DDD. Bulging discs can push on, or “pinch,” a nerve root or the spinal cord, which may send pain, tingling, numbness, and muscle weakness to the part of the body to which the nerve is connected.

What Does All of This Information Mean For Me?

Generally speaking, disc degeneration is a natural, gradual condition that everyone experiences with aging. The majority of people will not notice any pain or discomfort from disc degeneration. However, if the disc deterioration occurs fairly early in life (for instance in one’s 20s or 30s) and it is severe enough to cause serious symptoms like pain, tingling, numbness, and muscle weakness, it may be classified as degenerative disc disease, plus it may lead to other spinal conditions which also cause pain. There are several nonsurgical methods of treating and alleviating the effects of degenerative disc disease, such as physical therapy, pain and anti-inflammatory medication, and spinal injections. Spine surgery is another possibility, but it is reserved as a last resort option only available to about five to ten percent of people.

Disc degeneration is not something that should be completely overlooked, but it does not cause any pain for the majority of those who are middle aged and older. If you are experiencing chronic neck or back pain, see your doctor or a spine specialist for a complete diagnosis of your symptoms.

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: Degenerative disc disease