What is Degenerative Disc Disease ?

Degenerative disc disease is a disease affecting the back. This develops when the discs which cushion the vertebrae deteriorate or rupture causing pain which is radiating or localized. Degenerative disc disease can affect any of the three parts of the spine. Depending on the specific area of the spine affected, degenerative disc disease is also referred to as cervical disc disease (affecting the spine in the neck area), thoracic disc disease (affecting the spine in the mid-back) and lumbago (affecting the lower or lumbar spine).

Symptoms
Disc degeneration can be present without any symptoms. Some amount of degeneration is natural in most people over the age of 30. Some of the symptoms of disc disease include:
• Radiating pain and inflammation
• Weakness in the legs
• Back pain
• Numbness and tingling in the feet

Causes
Degenerative disc disease is certain to develop at some point in our lives, as the back is one of the major load bearing part in the human body. Degenerative disc disease can be caused by an injury to the discs which can produce back pain. The wear and tear of the cushioning discs between the vertebrae as the person ages can also cause degenerative disc disease.

Diagnosis
Degenerative disc disease is diagnosed by conducting a few tests and a physical examination by a doctor. Some of these tests include imaging methods such as X-rays, MRI (Magnetic resonance imaging) scans and CT (Computerized tomography) scans. The doctor might also examine your general fitness, flexibility and medical history to make a diagnosis. Some degenerative disc conditions like osteoarthritis can be detected by X-rays, where as MRI scans or CR scans are ordered for other conditions such as spondylosis, disc herniation and the bone anatomy in the spine.

Treatment
Treatment of degenerative disc disease starts with patient education on self-care methods which include rest, hot and cold packs to the affected area and over-the-counter medication. In some other cases physical therapy, chiropractic treatments and NSAIDs or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications may be advised. Epidural steroid injections may be injected into the area to relieve inflammation in more serious cases. Surgical procedures are normally advised after all the other treatments have been tried.

Some of the common non-surgical Treatments are
Physical therapy: Physical therapy is used to strengthen the muscles around the area, increase flexibility and improve posture. Many kinds of physical therapy may be used depending on the severity of the condition, and the individual case. These may involve massages, electric stimulation, using of braces, and water therapy.

Epidurals or corticosteroid injections: These injections reduce inflammation and swelling caused by a herniated disc. These are injected into the back in the epidural space and are used to relieve pain. These might not always provide relief for the symptoms of degenerative disc disease.

Surgical options include methods include spinal fusion and artificial disc replacement and are used only as a last option when other methods such as self-care, physical therapy and medication are found to be not effective.