Degenerative Disc Disease: causes, symptoms, treatments.
- Updated - January 16, 2025
What is degenerative disc disease?
Called degenerative disc disease, this condition results from the natural wear and tear of spinal discs with age, leading to back pain and degeneration of the discs. A person with degenerative disc disease may experience numbness or tingling in hands or feet due to compression of nerves at any point below the part of the spine where symptoms are being experienced.
A common complaint with degenerative disc disease is back pain that worsens when sitting for long periods, bending over, or standing up from a seated position.
What is a spinal disc?
A spinal disc is a small yet vital component of the spine. Spinal discs are cushion-like sacs that act as shock absorbers between the vertebrae.
A spinal disc is a small yet vital component of the spine. Spinal discs are cushion-like sacs that act as shock absorbers between the vertebrae.
It consists of two parts: an outer disc layer, called the annulus fibrosis, and a soft inner disc layer, the nucleus pulposus.
When this cushion becomes thin, it causes pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots, leading to loss of mobility and other symptoms.
There are twenty-six spinal discs in total, found in the lumbar (lower back), thoracic (mid-back), and cervical (neck area) regions.
What are some causes of Degenerative Disc Disease?
There is no single cause of degenerative disc disease. Still, several risk factors increase your chances of developing it. For example, injury or trauma to the spine can cause degeneration over time. In addition, as you age, the damage done to your discs by injuries or other factors can cause them to degenerate.
Disc Degeneration is a condition that generally occurs as people age. It typically starts around the age of 30. Still, there are cases of younger individuals who suffer from this condition as well.
The following list of common causes of DDD may help you understand your condition better:
Sedentary lifestyle: A sedentary lifestyle is a significant cause of DDD because it causes loss of muscle tone and low circulation to the discs. Lack of exercise can also lead to obesity, which puts more weight on already degenerated discs.
Genetics: Genetics may also play a role in DDD. Research shows that people whose parents have had back problems are more likely to develop degenerative disc disease.
Scheuermann Disease, also known as Scheuermann’s Disease or Juvenile Kyphosis, is a medical condition where the spine curves more than expected.
Poor posture: People who suffer from DDD tend to hunch over due to the pain caused by this condition. Poor posture causes spine misalignments and can cause more pressure on the discs.
Excessive strain during physical activity: An example of this is weightlifting, which can cause extreme stress.
Micro trauma: Micro trauma is another form of injury that may cause degenerative disc disease and pain.
Whiplash: Whiplash is a common cause of DDD.
Infection: An infection in the spine can also cause DDD.
Trauma: Accidents that involve a hard blow to the back or upper body, such as those caused by accidents, may also lead to degenerative disc disease and pain.
Smoking: Smoking is another risk factor for DDD. According to researchers, smokers are more likely to develop the condition than nonsmokers.
Jobs with heavy lifting: People who work in heavy lifting jobs may also be at risk for DDD.
Exposure to certain chemicals, such as pesticides or solvents, can lead to degenerative disc disease by causing cell damage.
Extreme stress: Intense stress can also damage discs, leading to DDD.
Heavier Weight: Carrying additional weight can place more stress on the spine, which may contribute to degenerative disc disease.
Exercising too much or too little: While too much exercise may not be best for your body, not exercising enough to keep muscles active can cause loss of muscle tone, which may lead to disc degeneration.
Sports/Physical Activity: Sports or activities, such as weightlifting, which place excess strain on the discs, are associated with DDD.
Age: Age is a factor because it causes natural changes in the spine that can lead to DDD.
As you can see, there are many causes of degenerative disc disease.
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These questions are often linked when discussing DDD.
What is a herniated disk?
Herniated disks occur when the outer lining of one of the spinal discs tears, and a portion of that disc pushes out into the soft center, which causes it to push against a nearby nerve. When this occurs, the result can be back pain or leg pain, depending on your location in the spine.
Herniated disks can occur in any part of the spine but are most common in the lower back (lumbar region).
What is a bulging disc?
A bulging disc also occurs when a tear develops in the outer protective lining of a spinal disc, which allows some of that material to push out into the soft middle of the disc. This material in the center of the disc presses against a nearby nerve, causing possible pain in your back and leg.
Although similar to a herniated disk, you cannot see bulging discs with an MRI or CT Scan, which are referred to as “hidden” hernias.
What is the difference between DDD and osteoarthritis?
Degenerative Disc Disease is the thinning of the cushioning disc between two vertebrae. As these discs degenerate, they can create bone spurs where the vertebrae contact, which may press on nerves and cause pain.
Although arthritis can cause similar symptoms, it generally affects both sides of the involved joint and other joints in the body.
What is sciatica?
Sciatica occurs when one or more discs along the spine push against a nearby nerve, causing pain that starts in your lower back and shoots down into your buttock, upper leg, and even sometimes to your foot.
This condition is commonly associated with herniated disc and degenerative disc disease.
What are the most common signs and symptoms?
- Common symptoms of degenerative disc disease include back pain that worsens when sitting for long periods, bending over, or standing up from a seated position;
- Lower back pain often starts between 30 and 50 years old. It may gradually become severe after many years if not treated.
- Numbness or tingling in hands or feet due to compression of nerves;
- Back pain that is associated with some upper body movements, such as coughing and sneezing, and/or
- Legs feeling numb and weak.
Other symptoms may include:
- Loss of bladder control called incontinence;
- Muscle weakness;
- Leg pain that worsens when coughing or sneezing is considered an initial DDD symptom.
Can poor posture cause disc degeneration?
How your spine is positioned can also worsen disc deterioration. Sitting for long hours in a poor posture, such as a rounded upper back (kyphosis) can put pressure on discs and make disc degeneration worse over time.
Your posture can affect your disc problems – spinal discs have different shapes and sizes depending on where they are in the spine. As a result, too much slouching or carrying heavy loads can create disc pressure. To reduce spine disc pressure, practice good posture by aligning your head with your shoulders and hips.
Disc problems can also impact your posture – if one disc is compressed or herniated, it might cause back or neck pain, leading to poor posture.
How is Degenerative Disc Disease diagnosed?
In diagnosing this condition, doctors or practitioners use:
PHYSICAL EXAM
The doctor or practitioner will perform a physical exam and ask patients questions about their symptoms and medical history. This information is used to help diagnose the cause of back pain and rule out other conditions that may be causing your symptoms. Imaging tests include X-rays, MRI, or CT scans, which produce images of the inside of the back. These tests can help determine if a patient has herniated or bulging disks.
CT SCAN
CT (computed tomography) scan is an imaging test that uses X-rays and a computer to create cross-sectional images (often called slices). These show detailed views of areas inside the body.
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging):
This test uses a combination of large magnets, radio frequencies, and a computer to create images of organs and structures within the body.
What treatment options are available?
The treatment for DDD depends on the severity of the condition. Still, various conservative treatments can help alleviate pain and thereby improve quality of life. Severe disc degeneration can lead to nerve damage, which may require specific treatment options to manage.
The goal of treatment initially is to control the pain so that the condition can be evaluated. For most people, measures such as rest, ice, medications, physical therapy, and an eventual return to normal activities will help the pain go away. However, surgery may be an option if these measures don’t work.
Treatment options may include:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or acetaminophen, which can provide pain relief;
- Steroidal injections or epidural steroid injections (ESIs) which can help reduce inflammation and relieve pressure on nerves;
- Prolotherapy, a regenerative injection therapy that helps the body repair injured ligaments and tendons;
- Physical therapy to increase the flexibility of the back and strength of the core muscles;
- Chiropractic, Osteopathic, or other manual therapy which can help stabilize the spine and decrease pain;
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) which can help reduce back pain by training the brain to change the way you think and behave;
- Surgery: Surgical options for DDD include laminotomy, microdiscectomy (removal of small disc fragments), discectomy (removal of the entire disc), spinal fusion, and spinal decompression.
Nonsurgical Treatments
Nonsurgical treatments are often the first line of defense against degenerative disc disease. These treatments aim to alleviate symptoms, improve quality of life, and prevent further degeneration. Some common nonsurgical treatments include:
- Physical Therapy: A physical therapist can help you develop a customized exercise program to strengthen your back muscles, improve flexibility, and enhance your range of motion. This can be particularly beneficial in managing severe pain and preventing further disc degeneration.
- Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can help manage mild to moderate pain. For more severe pain, your doctor may prescribe stronger medications or recommend alternative pain management options.
- Cold Therapy: Applying cold packs or ice to the affected area can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain. This is especially useful in the initial stages of pain caused by disc disease.
- Heat Therapy: Applying heat to the affected area can help relax muscles and increase blood flow, providing relief from chronic pain.
- Chiropractic Care: Spinal manipulation and other chiropractic techniques can help realign the spine, relieve pressure on the discs, and improve joint mobility. This can be an effective way to manage symptoms without resorting to surgery.
- Lifestyle Modifications: Maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, and avoiding heavy lifting can help reduce stress on the spine and slow down degeneration. These changes can significantly impact the progression of degenerative disc disease.
Surgical Treatment
Surgical treatment is usually reserved for severe cases of degenerative disc disease that have not responded to nonsurgical treatments. Surgery aims to relieve pressure on the spinal nerves, stabilize the spine, and improve mobility. Some standard surgical procedures include:
- Spinal Fusion: This procedure involves fusing two or more vertebrae together to stabilize the spine and prevent further degeneration. Spinal fusion can be effective in reducing pain and improving stability.
- Artificial Disc Replacement: This procedure involves replacing the damaged disc with an artificial one, which can help restore spinal mobility and reduce pain. It is a newer alternative to spinal fusion and aims to maintain more natural movement in the spine.
- Discectomy: This procedure involves removing the damaged disc to relieve pressure on the spinal nerves. It can be particularly effective in cases where a herniated disc is causing severe pain.
- Laminectomy: This procedure involves removing part of the vertebra to relieve pressure on the spinal nerves. It is often used to treat spinal stenosis, which can occur alongside degenerative disc disease.
Managing Degenerative Disc Disease
Managing degenerative disc disease requires a comprehensive approach that incorporates lifestyle modifications, nonsurgical treatments, and surgical interventions when necessary. Here are some strategies for ongoing management:
Strategies for ongoing management:
- Maintain a Healthy Weight: Reducing excess weight can decrease the stress on your spine, helping to slow down the progression of disc degeneration.
- Engage in Regular Exercise: Activities such as yoga or Pilates can strengthen back muscles and improve flexibility, which is crucial for managing degenerative disc disease.
- Practice Good Posture: Maintaining proper posture can reduce pressure on the spine and help prevent further degeneration.
- Avoid Heavy Lifting: Refrain from lifting heavy objects, bending, or twisting, as these actions can exacerbate spinal degeneration.
- Manage Stress: Utilize relaxation techniques such as meditation or deep breathing to manage stress, which can contribute to muscle tension and pain.
- Get Enough Sleep: Ensure adequate rest to help your body recover from daily stresses and maintain overall health.
Can you prevent DDD?
Many of the factors that cause DDD cannot be changed, such as age or genetics. However, there are several things you can do to reduce your risk for this condition.
If you are in a high-risk group for DDD, speak with your doctor and other healthcare providers about ways to prevent this condition from developing or worsening.
You can also help prevent degenerative disc disease by:
- Maintaining a healthy weight;
- Eating a healthy diet;
- Exercising regularly, particularly strengthening and stretching exercises;
- Getting plenty of physical activity;
- Managing stress; and/or
- Practicing good body mechanics and better posture awareness.
What if you have degenerative disc disease?
If you just got diagnosed with degenerative disc disease, don’t panic.
While DDD cannot be cured, several treatment options can help reduce pain and restore function. In addition, you may need a combination of treatments to help relieve your pain and improve your quality of life.
Non-surgical options alleviate discomfort but do not necessarily improve spinal functioning. While surgical options may be beneficial and fast-acting, their long-term effects are uncertain.
If conservative treatments fail, surgery may be an option. However, some people progress to spinal stenosis or even spinal cord compression over time, so it is essential to manage DDD symptoms as soon as possible.
Living with Degenerative Disc Disease
Living with degenerative disc disease requires patience, persistence, and a commitment to managing your condition. Here are some tips for living with degenerative disc disease:
- Stay Informed: Educate yourself about degenerative disc disease, its symptoms, and its treatment options. Knowledge is power and can help you make informed decisions about your care.
- Stay Connected: Join a support group or online community to connect with others with degenerative disc disease. Sharing experiences and advice can provide emotional support and practical tips.
- Stay Active: Engage in low-impact activities like walking or swimming to maintain mobility and reduce stiffness. Regular physical activity can help manage pain and improve overall well-being.
- Stay Positive: Focus on the things.
PLEASE NOTE
PostureGeek.com does not provide medical advice. This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical attention. The information provided should not replace the advice and expertise of an accredited health care provider. Any inquiry into your care and any potential impact on your health and wellbeing should be directed to your health care provider. All information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical care or treatment.
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