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.
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:
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
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.
Symptoms of Degenerative Disc Disease may include:
Click to read about Herniated Discs.
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.
The exact cause of DDD is unknown. But, it is believed that DDD comes several reasons. from
These changes can alter the health and size of the disc.
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.
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:
Factors You CANNOT control with DDD include:
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