Degenerative Disc Disease is the weakening of one or more vertebral discs, which typically serve as a cushion between the vertebrae. They serve as shock absorbers and make it easier for you to bend, move, and twist easily. Everyone’s spinal discs deteriorate with time; it’s a natural aspect of becoming older. When the back is hurt repeatedly, the disc wall may become weaker due to more tearing and scarring. The disc’s core, or nucleus, suffers damage with time, and some of its water content is lost.
Some common symptoms of Degenerative Disc Disease include back pain, neck pain, and stiffness. You might also experience tingling or numbness in your hands or feet, difficulty walking or bending, and problems with bladder or bowel control. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor right away.
What is Degenerative Disc Disease?
Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) is a condition that affects the spinal discs. The discs are the soft, spongy tissues between the vertebrae that act as shock absorbers and help keep the spine flexible. DDD occurs when these discs start to break down and lose their flexibility and cushioning. This can lead to pain and other symptoms. The symptoms of DDD can vary from person to person.
What Are the Causes of Degenerative Disc Disease?
There are several potential causes of Degenerative Disc Disease. Trauma, herniation, genetics, obesity, smoking, and age are among the most common.
Trauma can be a direct result of an accident or injury, such as a car accident or a fall. It can also be caused indirectly, such as by repetitive motions or stress on the spine.
A herniation is when the inner gel-like core of the disc bulges out through the outer ring. This can place pressure on the spinal cord or on the nerve roots exiting the spine.
Genetics plays a role in some cases of Degenerative Disc Disease. If you have a family history of the condition, you’re more likely to develop it yourself.
Injury: A fall, car accident, or other traumatic injuries can damage the discs in your spine.
Smoking: Smoking cigarettes can damage the tissues in your spine and increase your risk for DDD.
Obesity: Carrying too much weight can put pressure on your spine and lead to disc degeneration.
Age is also a factor. As you get older, your discs lose water content and become less flexible. This makes them more susceptible to damage and degeneration.
What Are The Symptoms of Degenerative Disc Disease?
You may be wondering if you’re suffering from Degenerative Disc Disease. The symptoms of this condition vary from person to person but can include back or neck pain, numbness or tingling in the extremities, and problems with balance and coordination.
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor for a diagnosis. Degenerative Disc Disease is a progressive condition that can worsen over time, so early diagnosis and treatment are essential. If you think you may have Degenerative Disc Disease, it’s important to know the symptoms so you can get treatment. Below are some of the most common symptoms of this condition.
Difficulty Walking Or Bending
Degenerative Disc Disease is a spinal disorder that affects the discs between the vertebrae. You may experience difficulty walking or bending, depending on the extent of the disease.
If you are experiencing these symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis. Left untreated, Degenerative Disc Disease can lead to further health complications.
Weakness
Degenerative Disc Disease can cause many different symptoms, depending on which discs are affected. The most common symptom is weakness, which can cause you to feel tired and have a hard time lifting things. It can affect any part of your body, but it’s most commonly felt in the arms and legs. You might feel weak in your arms and legs or have difficulty with tasks that require strength, such as carrying groceries or getting out of bed.
As the disc degenerates, you may begin to experience weakness in your muscles. This is because the degenerated spinal discs put pressure on the nerve roots, causing pain and muscle weakness. The affected muscles may feel weak or tingly, or you may experience numbness in your hands and feet. Muscle strength will often return once treatment begins, but it could take some time before your muscle strength returns to normal levels.
If you’re experiencing weakness, talk to your doctor. She might be able to recommend exercises to help improve your strength or refer you to a specialist who can help diagnose and treat your condition.
Numbness or Tingling
One common symptom of Degenerative Disc Disease is numbness or tingling in the extremities. This happens when the nerves that run down the spine are compressed, as is often the case with this condition.
You may feel this sensation in your fingers, toes, hands, or feet. It’s usually a gradual onset and can be quite bothersome. Sometimes it’s accompanied by pain, but not always.
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor for an evaluation. There may be other causes for your symptoms, but Degenerative Disc Disease is a likely culprit and should be ruled out.
Stiffness
Stiffness is another common symptom associated with DDD. You may find it difficult to move your neck and back due to the stiffness caused by the decreased range of motion. The stiffness tends to worsen in the morning, as the back has not been stretched overnight, then gradually improves throughout the day as you move. This stiffness can result in severe pain that is dull and aching or sharp and stabbing. It is important to note that this stiffness is not only linked to physical inactivity or aging; it can be an indication of other underlying medical conditions. If you experience persistent stiffness, it’s best to visit your doctor and have them conduct an examination.
Back Pain
Back pain is one of the most common symptoms of Degenerative Disc Disease. It can range from mild to debilitating and can vary in intensity, frequency, and duration. It may occur in the lower back or neck, on one side or both, and may be accompanied by numbness or tingling in your arms, legs, or hands.
The severity of the pain can depend on the type of Degenerative Disc Disease you have, as well as the amount of pressure it puts on nearby nerves. In some cases, pain from Degenerative Disc Disease is sharp and electric-like; in other cases, it’s a dull ache that comes and goes for days at a time.
Back pain from Degenerative Disc Disease can also result in muscle spasms, which are often triggered by the movement of your spine or head. To help reduce back pain and muscle spasms due to Degenerative Disc Disease, stretching exercises done regularly may be beneficial.
Pain in the neck or shoulders
Pain in the neck or shoulders is the most common symptom of Degenerative Disc Disease. This type of pain is usually caused by compression of the nerves that pass between the vertebrae. It can be mild, sharp, or aching and can travel down either arm. You may also experience a tingling or numbness in your fingertips. In severe cases, it may even cause weakness in your arms and hands. Some people find that their pain gets worse when they move their heads side to side or arch their necks.
Additionally, you may have increased pain when sitting for long periods of time or struggling with activities such as lifting heavy items or sleeping on your stomach. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor to get an accurate diagnosis and to avoid further damage to your spine.
Change in bowel or bladder habits
Another symptom of Degenerative Disc Disease is a change in bowel or bladder habits. These can include anything from difficulty emptying the bladder to urgency or frequency in urination, as well as constipation and/or diarrhoea. This can also be paired with a feeling of pressure in your lower back or abdomen.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to see your doctor right away. In some cases, these symptoms can be confused with other conditions, and proper diagnosis is key to getting the right treatment.
So if you think you may have Degenerative Disc Disease, it’s important to understand that these changes in your bowel or bladder habits are not something to take lightly and seeking medical advice is highly recommended.
Radiating pain
One of the common symptoms of Degenerative Disc Disease is radiating pain, or pain that radiates from your spine and spreads to other parts of your body. This type of pain can occur in your neck, back, legs, or arms, depending on where the affected discs are located. The sensation may feel like a burning sensation or a dull ache.
The intensity and frequency of radiating pain may vary from person to person. If the affected discs are located in your neck, you may experience shooting pain down your arm; if they’re located in your lower back, you might feel a burning sensation along the back of your thigh. It is important to talk to your doctor about how you are feeling and what type of treatment plan is right for you, as the severity and frequency can vary depending on individual circumstances.
How to Diagnose Degenerative Disc Disease
In diagnosing Degenerative Disc Disease, your doctor will first take your medical history and ask about your symptoms. Then, the diagnosis begins with a physical exam, which includes a range of motion tests and possibly an imaging test to confirm the presence of degenerative discs. Your doctor may also order lab tests to check for specific markers, such as inflammation or infection.
Depending on the severity of your condition, you may need an MRI or X-ray to provide a detailed image of the spine and any damage it may have suffered. A CT scan can also be useful in determining whether there is any disc herniation.
Finally, you may need an electromyography (EMG) or nerve conduction velocity (NCV) test to determine if you are experiencing any nerve compression related to Degenerative Disc Disease.
How Is Degenerative Disc Disease Treated?
When it comes to treating Degenerative Disc Disease, there are a few different options depending on your symptoms.
Physical therapy is often prescribed to help relieve pain by strengthening and stretching the muscles that support the spine.
Medication such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and muscle relaxers may also be recommended. Steroid injections can provide additional relief, though they should be used sparingly due to their potential side effects.
Radiofrequency neurotomy is another option, where a thermocouple is inserted into the affected area to heat and destroy nerves that are causing pain.
Finally, in extreme cases where other treatments have failed, surgery may be necessary to repair or replace the affected discs. As always, you should discuss all treatment options with your doctor and decide which one is best for you.
What Are the Long-Term Effects of Degenerative Disc Disease?
If you think you may have Degenerative Disc Disease, it’s important to know the long-term effects. The most common effect of Degenerative Disc Disease is chronic pain and stiffness in the neck or back. This can happen when the discs begin to wear out, which can cause the vertebrae to rub against each other and cause inflammation and muscle spasms.
The pain can also radiate to other areas of your body, such as your arms or legs. It can also cause numbness or tingling in your extremities if it’s left untreated. Over time, you may experience a loss of mobility as well as a decrease in your range of motion.
In severe cases, Degenerative Disc Disease can even lead to paralysis if it’s left untreated for too long. That’s why it’s so important to talk to a doctor if you suspect that you may have this condition early treatment is key.
How to Prevent Degenerative Disc Disease?
The good news is that there are plenty of things you can do to prevent and manage Degenerative Disc Disease.
First and foremost, start by making sure you get regular exercise. This will strengthen your core, help with posture and reduce discomfort if you are already suffering from symptoms.
You should also focus on maintaining a healthy weight. Carrying extra pounds puts strain on your spine, making it harder to cope with the degeneration of your discs. Eating healthily is a great way to keep your weight down and provide essential nutrients to keep your spine strong.
It’s also important to pay attention to your posture. Poor posture can lead to additional strain on your discs, so make sure you sit or stand up straight when working or using a computer for long periods of time. You can also try using lumbar supports while sitting or special pillows while sleeping.
Finally, stretching regularly can help keep your discs healthy and maintain flexibility in this part of the body. Gentle yoga asanas like Child’s Pose and Downward-Facing Dog are ideal for stretching out areas of tension in the back caused by DDD symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are you wondering if you could have Degenerative Disc Disease? If you’re experiencing any of the common symptoms we listed, then it’s time to talk to a doctor. And it’s important to note that diagnosis involves more than just your symptoms; a physician can perform X-rays, MRI scans, and other tests to confirm a diagnosis. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions.
Are there any lifestyle changes that can help ease the pain associated with Degenerative Disc Disease?
If you lead an active lifestyle, eat a balanced diet, and maintain a healthy weight, this can help you manage the pain caused by DDD. It’s also important to take regular breaks from sitting or standing for long periods of time. Stretching, warm baths, and light exercise can also be helpful.
It’s also worth noting that although there is no cure for DDD, some treatments (such as medications and physical therapy) may provide temporary relief from pain and discomfort. If your symptoms worsen or don’t improve with self-care measures, be sure to speak to your doctor about possible treatments that could work for you.
What is the outlook for people with Degenerative Disc Disease?
Although there is no cure for Degenerative Disc Disease, it is a condition that can be managed with lifestyle modifications and medication. In some cases, surgery may also be necessary to help relieve pain and improve quality of life.
Do I need surgery for Degenerative Disc Disease?
Surgery is usually only recommended if non-surgical treatments are not successful in relieving pain or improving mobility.
Does Degenerative Disc Disease increase my risk for other conditions?
There is no evidence that Degenerative Disc Disease increases your risk of other conditions, but it can cause mobility issues, leading to an increased risk of injury.
What does pain from Degenerative Disc Disease feel like?
People with Degenerative Disc Disease experience varying degrees of pain that can range from an ache to a sharp, burning sensation. The intensity of the pain can change depending on what activities you’re doing or even how you’re sitting or standing.
What should people avoid with Degenerative Disc Disease?
You should avoid any activities that put too much pressure on your spine, such as heavy lifting, long-distance running, or vigorous aerobic exercise. You should also avoid sitting or standing in the same position for long periods of time and try to maintain a healthy weight if you’re overweight or obese.
Who Might Get Degenerative Disc Disease?
Degenerative Disc Disease can affect anyone, but it is more common in people over the age of 50. It is most often caused by wear and tear on the spine but can also be the result of an injury or chronic condition.
It’s also important to understand that Degenerative Disc Disease can get worse over time, so it’s always best to try and address symptoms as soon as possible. Talk to your medical professional today or set up an appointment with a pain management specialist if needed.
Conclusion
So, if you’re experiencing any of the above symptoms, it’s important to talk to your doctor and get a diagnosis. Degenerative Disc Disease can be treated, but it’s important to catch it early. Don’t let the fear of a possible diagnosis keep you from getting the help you need. Talk to your doctor and see what steps can be taken to ease your symptoms and improve your quality of life.