What is Degenerative Disc Disease?
Degenerative disc disease isn't actually a disease, but rather a term used to describe the normal changes that take place in your spinal discs as you age. Spinal discs are soft, compressible discs that separate the interlocking bones (vertebrae) that make up the spine. The discs act as shock absorbers for the spine, allowing it to flex, bend, and twist.
Common Causes
As we age, our spinal discs break down, or degenerate, which may result in degenerative disc disease in some people. These age-related changes include:
- Loss of Fluid: The discs in your spine are made up mostly of water. As you age, they lose water and become thinner. This makes the discs flatter and less able to act as a cushion or shock absorber.
- Tiny Tears or Cracks: The outer layer of the disc (annulus) can develop tiny tears or cracks. The jelly-like material inside the disc (nucleus) may be forced out through the tears or cracks, which causes the disc to bulge, break open (rupture), or break into fragments.
Symptoms
Degenerative disc disease can cause back or neck pain, but symptoms vary from person to person. Many people have no pain, while others with the same amount of disc damage have severe pain that limits their activities. Where the pain occurs depends on the location of the affected disc. An affected disc in the neck area may result in neck or arm pain, while an affected disc in the lower back may result in pain in the back, buttock, or leg.
Our Treatment Approach
Treatment focuses on easing pain and stopping more damage. Most people improve with conservative treatments.
Non-Surgical Treatments
Non-surgical options include over-the-counter pain relievers, physical therapy to strengthen back muscles, and epidural steroid injections to reduce inflammation.
Surgical Treatments
If conservative treatments don't work after a few months, Dr. Behrens may suggest surgery. Options include:
- Artificial Disc Replacement: Replacing the damaged disc with an artificial one.
- Spinal Fusion: Connecting two or more vertebrae together to stop the motion that is causing pain.