Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) is a progressive condition that develops over time due to wear and tear of the spinal discs.
Several factors can contribute to disc degeneration, including age. Other causes can be from the drying out of the disc. At birth, the spinal disc consists of 80% water and as we begin to age, gradually the water content diminishes, causing the disc to not absorb shock as well. Daily activities and sports can also case tears to the outer core of the disc. Degenerative disc disease is usually associated with the normal effects of aging. The discs between the bones of the spine are made up of cartilage, fibrous tissue, and water. With age, these discs can weaken and may flatten, bulge, or break down. By the age of 60, most individuals have some level of disc degeneration, however not everyone suffers from back pain.
Injuries can also cause disc degeneration, symptoms of which are swelling, soreness and instability of the spine, all of which can result in lower back pain symptoms. Other signs and symptoms of degenerative discs include pain that is worse when sitting and pain that becomes worse while bending, lifting or twisting. Numbness or tingling in the arms and legs, weakness in the leg muscles or foot drop, which is a potential sign of damage to the nerves. Pain that radiates to the buttocks and thighs, arms and hands as well. Muscle spasms or tension are another sign of degenerative disc disease. As the discs undergo change, the body may react and develop bony growths called bone spurs. In severe cases, these bone spurs may take up room needed by the spinal cord and surrounding nerves to move freely in the spinal canal. Disc degeneration can lead to other spinal problems such as scoliosis where the spine develops a curved shape caused by disc degeneration in different directions. Spinal stenosis which causes the spinal cord or nerves to become compressed or pinched. Spondylolisthesis where vertebra slips onto one another. Osteoarthritis in the spine which causes changes of the joints from disc degeneration.
Degenerative Disc Disease treatment will depend on the severity of the condition.
Treatment typically starts with nonsurgical methods that may provide sufficient symptom relief. When you request an appointment with one of our minimally invasive spine specialists, he or she will carefully examine your medical history, conduct a physical exam and request that an MRI scan is taken to determine which treatment approach will best meet your health goals. If you are a candidate for nonsurgical or minimally invasive spine treatment, our experts will try these approaches first before considering surgery for degenerative disc disease.
Some treatment options used for degenerative disc disease include:
- Epidural steroid injection
- Acupuncture
- Spinal cord stimulator
- Physical therapy
- Anti-inflammatory medications/narcotics
- Back injections
- Cortisone injections
- Stem cell/PRP therapy and platelet rich fibrin therapy
- Biodisc™ Treatments using the body’s own natural fibrin material to help the degenerative discs to heal through a minimally invasive procedure completed within 1-2 hours.
Degenerative Disc Disease is a condition that affects the spinal discs causing them to deteriorate over time.
This condition can cause chronic pain, numbness, and weakness in the affected area, making it difficult for individuals to carry out their daily activities. While there is no cure for this condition, treatment options such as physical therapy, medication, and surgery can help manage the symptoms and improve the quality of life. It is important to note that complications such as infection, nerve damage, and bleeding may occur during the treatment process. Recovery time can vary depending on the severity of the condition and the type of treatment procedure. However, with proper care and follow-up appointments, individuals can significantly reduce their recovery time and resume their normal activities.
If degenerative disc disease leads to or worsens spinal stenosis, myelopathy or radiculopathy, our minimally invasive spine experts can help address these conditions as well. Let us help you to get your life back. A good treatment plan can help to relieve your discomfort and return you to a pain-free and active lifestyle.
Research
- ZV Segal., JMG Williams.”Prevention of relapse/recurrence in major depression by mindfulness-based cognitive therapy..” https://psycnet.apa.org/getdoi.cfm?doi=10.1037/0022-006X.68.4.615
- JS Ross.”Lumbar Degenerative Disk Disease1.” https://pubs.rsna.org/doi/abs/10.1148/radiol.2451051706
- “Immune cascades in human intervertebral disc: the pros and cons.” https://hub.hku.hk/handle/10722/203242