Degenerative disc disease is a chronic, progressive condition that causes the intervertebral discs in the spine to lose their integrity from age-related wear and tear. Spinal discs may also degenerate from injuries that cause swelling and instability in the spine, or may be caused by a condition called osteoarthritis. If degenerative disc disease is left untreated, fragmentation and herniation to the spinal discs may occur, causing increased pain and limited mobility. Patients may have to provide their medical history, description of symptoms, and undergo a physical examination and MRI scan to determine whether or not they have degenerative disc disease.
The most common cause of degenerative disc disease is age-related deterioration that occurs naturally in the spine. Over time, spinal discs dry out, reducing their ability to absorb shock. In addition to natural wear and tear, certain activities, sports, and injuries can cause spinal discs to deteriorate. It’s important that patients receive treatment in the early stages of degenerative disc disease because the condition can progress and cause a disc to rupture or herniate in the spine.
Symptoms of degenerative disc disease vary depending on the location and severity of the damaged spinal disc(s). Patients often experience chronic back or neck pain, as well as radiating pain in the low back, buttocks, or legs. This discomfort may worsen with any kind of movement or physical activity. Degenerative disc disease in its early stages may only produce mild discomfort, but as times goes on, the pain, numbness, and weakness will likely worsen and cause serious damage.
Treatment for degenerative disc disease may include a number of conservative, alternative, and interventional therapies. For mild cases of degenerative disc disease, conservative treatment may provide some comfort from the pain. This treatment option usually includes rest, ice, and taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Patients with moderate to severe cases of this condition may benefit most from interventional therapies such as steroid injections, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, prescription pain medication and radiofrequency ablation.
