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Your lumbar disc is unique and strong enough to resist heavy impact in multiple different planes of motion, yet it is still very mobile. It acts as a shock absorber. You can compare it with a jelly donut, as it comprises a series of bands that form a tough outer layer and soft, jelly-like material contained within. How do you experience pain? The nerves towards the disc space penetrate into the outer portion of the annulus fibrosus. This can become a significant source of back pain, if a tear in the annulus reaches the outer portion and the nerves become sensitized. The nerves on the periphery of the disc can actually grow further into the disc space and become a source of pain. The nucleus pulposus is the jelly like inner disc material and is made of very inflammatory proteins. In case it comes in contact with the nerve root, it will inflame the nerve root and create pain down the leg (sciatica or radiculopathy). Similarly, if any of the inflammatory proteins within the disc space leak out to the outer annulus and touch the pain fibers in this area, it can create a lot of low back pain. Root of Pain Generally, the pain associated with degenerative disc disease is thought to stem from two different factors: Inflammation Abnormal micromotion instability Inflammation can be caused with the proteins in the disc space, which can lead to low back pain radiating to the hips, which can also travel to the back of legs. In case the outer rings of the inter-vertebral disc become damaged or worn down, it will not be efficient in resisting motion in the spine. Inflammation and micromotion instability will result in muscular spasm in the lower back. It is a reflex. Although, it may not be necessary for the safety of the nerve roots, it can be quite painful. Disc degeneration Therapy You can opt for the following disc degeneration treatment given below: Medical Therapy Conservative treatment includes back education and back school, exercise, medications, physical modalities, and injections. Back education Here, you are given advice and tips on how to manage the back pain. Knowledge of spine anatomy and biomechanics is taught. Back school teaches the patient basic body mechanics, such as the right posture for standing, standing at a desk or drawing board, lifting a weight, getting in and out of bed, etc. Not only this, it will also suggest the proper and improper approaches for sitting, bending forward, lying down, coughing, or sneezing when their back is painful. Exercise Different types of exercises are prescribed, depending on each patient's diagnosis. Floor exercises comprise abdominal bracing, modified sit-ups, etc. Swimming exercises give some of the best results. Aerobic exercises strengthen your back muscles, if performed regularly. Relaxation exercises are good for relieving muscular tension that may aggravate back pain. Medications These include muscle relaxants, non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and analgesics. Physical modalities Ice packs, heating pads, electrical stimulation, phonophoresis, iontophoresis, relaxation, and biofeedback have are commonly use to relieve pain Injections Epidural steroid injections are most commonly used for therapeutic purposes. 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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