Degenerative Disc Disease

What You Will Discover on This Page:

• What is Degenerative Disc Disease?
• Symptoms of Degenerative Disc Disease
• Causes and Risk Factors of Degenerative Disc Disease
• Treatment Options for Degenerative Disc Disease
• Comprehensive Spinal Care at Orlando Neurosurgery

What is Degenerative Disc Disease?

Degenerative Disc Disease is not a disease in the traditional sense, but rather a condition that occurs when the discs between your spine’s vertebrae begin to break down or deteriorate over time. The intervertebral discs act as cushions or shock absorbers for the spine, allowing for smooth movement. As these discs wear down, they can lose hydration, flexibility, and elasticity, leading to pain and reduced mobility.

While Degenerative Disc Disease commonly affects the lower back and neck, it can occur at any level of the spine. This condition is a natural part of the aging process, but can also be influenced by factors such as injury or genetics.

Symptoms of Degenerative Disc Disease

The symptoms of Degenerative Disc Disease vary depending on the location and severity of the disc degeneration. Common symptoms include:

Chronic or intermittent back pain: Pain may be mild at first but can worsen over time, especially after activities like lifting, bending, or twisting.

Stiffness and reduced flexibility: You may notice a limited range of motion in the affected area of your spine.

Numbness or tingling: If a degenerated disc compresses nearby nerves, it can cause sensations of numbness, tingling, or weakness in your arms or legs.

Pain that worsens with prolonged sitting or standing: Being in a stationary position for extended periods can exacerbate pain.

Radicular pain: Pain that radiates from your spine down into your arms or legs, often caused by nerve compression.

While these symptoms may fluctuate, they can severely impact your quality of life if left untreated.

Causes and Risk Factors of Degenerative Disc Disease

Degenerative Disc Disease is most commonly related to the natural aging process, but other factors can contribute to the wear and tear of your spinal discs, including:

Age: As you age, your discs lose hydration, making them more prone to injury and degeneration.

Injury: Past spinal injuries, such as a herniated or bulging disc, can lead to degeneration over time.

Repetitive stress: Jobs or activities that involve heavy lifting, twisting, or prolonged sitting may accelerate disc degeneration.

Genetics: Some individuals are genetically predisposed to disc degeneration, leading to earlier or more severe development of the condition.

Obesity: Excess weight puts added stress on the spine, which can speed up the degenerative process.

Smoking: Smoking decreases blood flow to the spinal discs, hindering their ability to heal and repair themselves.

While these risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing DDD, it’s important to note that not everyone with risk factors will experience the condition, and treatment options can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

Treatment Options for Degenerative Disc Disease

At Orlando Neurosurgery, we provide a variety of effective treatment options to help manage the symptoms of Degenerative Disc Disease and improve your spine’s health:

Conservative Treatment

Physical Therapy: Targeted exercises can strengthen the muscles around your spine, providing better support and reducing pain.

Pain Management: Medications such as anti-inflammatory drugs or muscle relaxants can help manage pain and inflammation.

Epidural Steroid Injections: These injections deliver medication directly to the affected area to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.

Lifestyle Modifications: Maintaining a healthy weight, improving posture, and avoiding activities that exacerbate symptoms can significantly reduce pain levels.

Surgical Treatment

In more severe cases, when conservative treatments no longer provide relief, surgery may be recommended. Options include:

Spinal Fusion Surgery: This procedure involves fusing two or more vertebrae to eliminate motion between them and reduce pain.

Artificial Disc Replacement: In some instances, a degenerated disc can be replaced with an artificial one to restore motion and alleviate pain.

Laminectomy or Discectomy: These procedures involve removing part of the vertebra or disc to relieve pressure on the nerves.

Our team will work closely with you to evaluate the best course of treatment for your specific needs, ensuring you get the best care possible.

Q: What is the main cause of Degenerative Disc Disease?
A: Degenerative Disc Disease is most often a natural part of the aging process, as spinal discs lose hydration and flexibility over time. However, other factors like injury, repetitive stress, genetics, obesity, and smoking can accelerate the condition.

Q: Is Degenerative Disc Disease a real disease?
A: Degenerative Disc Disease is not a traditional disease in the way an infection or illness is. It is a condition that describes the natural wear and tear of the spinal discs. The “disease” in the name refers to the chronic symptoms and pain that can arise from this process.

Q: Can I prevent Degenerative Disc Disease?
A: While you cannot stop the natural aging process, you can take steps to reduce the risk and severity of Degenerative Disc Disease. Maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly to strengthen core muscles, quitting smoking, and practicing good posture can help support your spine and slow the degeneration process.

Q: How is Degenerative Disc Disease diagnosed?
A: Diagnosis typically begins with a physical examination and a review of your medical history and symptoms. A doctor may also order imaging tests such as an MRI or X-ray to confirm the diagnosis and assess the extent of the disc degeneration.

Q: When is surgery necessary for Degenerative Disc Disease?
A: Surgery is typically considered only in severe cases where conservative treatments, such as physical therapy and pain management, have failed to provide long-term relief. It is reserved for patients whose symptoms significantly impact their quality of life due to nerve compression or instability in the spine.

Q: What is the difference between spinal fusion and artificial disc replacement?
A: Spinal fusion is a surgical procedure that joins two or more vertebrae together to eliminate motion and reduce pain. In contrast, artificial disc replacement involves removing the damaged disc and replacing it with an artificial one to restore motion and function, which may be a more suitable option for some patients.