Degenerative Disc Disease
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Degenerative Disc Disease or DDD is a disorder that affects the spine. DDD is more common as we age. Degeneration is normal in the discs of the spine. But when it begins to cause pain or loss of function, it needs to be treated.
What Is Degenerative Disc Disease?
Degenerative Disc Disease is the loss of structural integrity and height of a disc. Degeneration happens with age but there are factors that can influence the process. The lower lumbar spine is more prone to Degenerative Disc Disease.
Factors that may lead to degeneration in the discs include:
- Poor Transport of nutrients to the disc
- Excessive loading
- Lifestyle
- Genetics
- Obesity
How is DDD Diagnosed?
Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) is typically diagnosed with an X-ray or MRI. On X-ray, the doctor may see loss of disc height and bone spurs.
Healthy Spine X-Ray
Degenerative Disc Disease
Does Degenerative Disc Disease Happen to Everyone?
It is normal for discs to degenerate to some extent with age. It is difficult to determine whether disc degeneration is from a normal aging process or a disease process.
However, when disc degeneration is causing symptoms and limiting daily activity, it is time to seek medical treatment. Living with pain or limiting daily activity due to DDD symptoms can lead to other health issues.
What are the Symptoms of Degenerative Disc Disease?
Symptoms of Degenerative Disc Disease may include:
- Pain in the spine and/or extremity
- Loss of sensation
- Loss of muscle strength
- Stiffness
- Postural changes
Click to read about Herniated Discs.
Anatomy and Physiology of the Disc
Discs that sit between each vertebrae of the spine. The disc has a thick outer layer called the Annulus Fibrosis. The outer layer consists of fibers that run in an oblique pattern and crisscross to give structure and stability.
The Nucleus Pulposus or inside of the disc is a gelatinous material made of proteins and water.
This disc gets it’s nutrients and oxygen from the bone of the vertebrae. The nutrients pass through the end of the bone and cartilage in to the disc.
Anatomy & Physiology of the Disc
Click to learn about the Lower Back Muscle Anatomy and Low Back Pain.
What Causes Disc Degeneration?
The exact cause of DDD is unknown. But, it is believed that DDD comes several reasons. from
- Decrease transfer of oxygen and nutrients from the vertebrae.
- Less water retention
- Water and Proteins in the disc separate
These changes can alter the health and size of the disc.
How Do You Treat Degenerative Disc Disease?
Degenerative Disc Disease is usually treated conservatively if possible. This includes physical therapy. A physical therapist can evaluate movement disorders in the spine and help to increase mobility in stiff spine segments. They also help to strengthen the core muscles to stabilize the spine and manage symptoms.
Oral medications may be ordered to decrease inflammation, pain, and muscle spasms.
Image Guided Spinal injections may be used to apply anti-inflammatory medications more directly to the area of the Degenerative Disc Disease.
In severe cases, a spinal fusion surgery may be needed. With a spinal fusion, an orthopedic surgeon removes the damaged disc and places a spacer between the bones. They use bone graft and hardware to fuse the bones together and prevent further movement. This increases the space between the vertebrae.
Click to learn about Mazor X Stealth Robotic-Guidance Spinal Fusion or watch this VIDEO.
Can You Avoid Disc Degeneration?
With DDD, there are things you can control and things you cannot.
Factors you CAN control that may decrease the risk of Degenerative Disc Disease Include:
- Don’t Smoke
- Maintain a healthy body weight
- Stay Hydrated
- Use proper lifting technique
- Be mindful of good posture
- Exercise regularly
Factors You CANNOT control with DDD include:
- Genetics
- Growth Factors
Book an Appointment with The Jacksonville Orthopaedic Institute Today!
JOI Physicians continue to offer online new patient appointments. This is another option to make it more convenient to make new patient appointments with less phone hold times. Follow the link below to select your JOI MD and schedule online.
You can still call 904-JOI-2000 to make new patient JOI Physician Appointments if that is your preference.
To make appointments with JOI Rehab, please call 904-858-7045.
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