Degenerative Disc Disease

What is Degenerative Disc Disease?

Degenerative disc disease is not so much a disease as it is a name for the changes that can happen to the spine as we age.

Your discs are made of a tough, rubbery exterior and a soft interior, and they sit between the vertebrae to act as shock absorbers. As we age, the spinal discs begin to degenerate. This can lead to herniated discs, bulging discs, spinal stenosis, and osteoarthritis.

Symptoms

Disc degeneration may cause no symptoms at all, and symptoms vary from patient to patient. Pain may occur at the site of the affected disc in the back or neck. Because the pain is often caused by compressed nerves, it can also travel to the buttocks, arms, and legs. Numbness and tingling may also be felt. Pain can range from mild to severe and debilitating.

Causes

Our spines can degenerate as a natural part of aging. Tears in the tougher outer layer of the disc are common as we grow older, and as the discs lose fluid they become smaller and less flexible. Other contributing factors include obesity, smoking, repeated physical work, and injury.

Treatment

Pain caused by degeneration is often managed with hot or cold packs and anti-inflammatory measures. When degeneration leads to herniated or bulging discs, spinal stenosis, or osteoarthritis, other approaches may help — including spinal decompression, chiropractic adjustments, therapeutic exercise, and stretching. If you are experiencing frequent back or neck pain, visit our Paris office for an examination so we can build a treatment plan for you. Call 903-785-5551 to schedule.