Degenerative Disc Disorder

Degenerative disc disease is a medical term used to describe the condition that results in some people due to abnormal degeneration of the spinal discs.

As we age, the spinal discs in our backbones experience a natural degeneration. This involves the breaking down of the discs in the spine. The spinal discs are the compressible discs made of soft tissue that interconnect the vertebrae. They act in a similar fashion as shock absorbers in a vehicle allowing us to bend, twist and flex without injuring our spine. Degenerative disc disease is a medical term used to describe the condition that results in some people due to abnormal degeneration of the spinal discs.

Degenerative disc disorder is an age related disease and is therefore
more common in people with advanced age.

Changes that occur with age that result in this condition include loss of fluid in the spinal discs. This results in thinner discs which narrows the gap between the vertebrae. The loss in fluid also makes the discs less flexible. The overall effect is a loss in the shock absorbing properties of the discs.

Degenerative disc disorder can also result from cracks or tears occurring in the outer layer of the spinal discs. This results in leaking of the viscous liquid inside the spinal discs causing discs to bulge and rapture. Loss in fluid and the rapture of spinal discs can occur in people who are heavy smokers, engage in heavy physical labor (especially repeated lifting of heavy objects) and people who are obese.

Degenerative disc disorder can also occur as a result of injury
to the spine resulting in a herniated disc.

Degenerative Disc Disorder - Common Symptoms

Common symptoms of degenerative disc disorder include chronic pain in the lower back that may sometimes radiate to the hips. Victims may also suffer from pain in the thighs or buttocks while walking, sitting, lifting, bending or twisting. Some people experience chronic neck pains that radiate to the shoulders, arms and down to the hands. Weakness or a tingling sensation may be felt in the knees.

Treatment for Degenerative Disc Disorder

Treatments for degenerative disc disorder include symptomatic treatments including placing ice or heat on the affected area or taking pain relieving drugs. Surgical treatment of the condition involves the removal of the damaged discs. However, exercises and physical therapy that involve stretching and strengthening the back are highly recommended.