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Disc Degeneration is nothing but changes in the discs in the spine with the result of normal wear and tear, aging or injury. It is caused by the loss of fluid in the disc, which acts as a shock absorber. If the disc wall is damaged, the disc may collapse. This can effect the disc's function as a cushion between the vertebrae and lead to occurence of bone spurs and spinal stenosis. Disc Degeneration symptoms may result in neck or back pain in the location of the affected disc. You may experience numbness or tingling in the arm, leg or buttocks. Movements such as bending, reaching or twisting only worsen the situation. Disc degeneration is more likely to occur in obese people, people who do heavily lifting or those who smoke cigarettes. Disc degeneration treatment usually begins with medication to control inflammation. Application of heat and physical therapy with an exercise program is sugessted that minimizes twisting motions. Surgery is the last option. Stages of Degenerative Disc Disease Degeneration occurs in three general stages. First, there is significant dysfunction caused by the acute back pain of the injury. Next, there is a long phase of relative instability at that particular vertebral segment and the patient will be prone to intermittent bouts of back pain. Finally, the body re-stabilizes the segment and the patient experiences fewer episodes of back pain. Many patients diagnosed with low back pain caused by degenerative disc disease are left wondering exactly what this diagnosis means for them. Common questions that arise include: Will it become worst with age? Will it become a crippling condition? Will I end up in a wheelchair? Should I restrict my activities? Can I still play sports? Can it spread to other parts of the spine? Will the low back pain from it cause any permanent damage? A large part of many patients’ confusion is that the term “degenerative disc disease” which sounds like a progressive, threatening condition. However, this condition is not strictly degenerative and is not really a disease. Disc Degeneration Treatment Options: 1) Artificial disc replacement 2) Surgical intervention 3) Non-operative treatment of symptoms Non-operative treatment of symptoms include: Acupuncture, Behavioral medicine, Back Braces, Chiropractic, Conservative medical care, Discography, Drug Therapy, Electrotherapy, Interventional Pain Management, Pain Management, Physiatry, Physical Therapy, Stress Management, etc. A primary purpose of therapy is to help you learn how to take care of your symptoms and prevent future problems. A home program of exercises is given to improve flexibility, posture, endurance, and low back and abdominal strength. The therapist will also discuss strategies you can use if your symptoms flare up. Jasmine Bilimoria is a research writer and a contributor with Same Day Spine. Same Day Spine Institute specializes in minimally invasive treatments of the spine, using latest cutting edge technologies, such as stem cells, laser discectomies, artificial discs, spinal cord stimulators, minimally invasive fusions, etc for spinal treatments.
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