Degenerative Disc Disease, or DDD, describes what is typically an age-related deterioration of the spine, which results chronic back and neck pain. The disease affects the disc that rest between spinal vertebrae, which with use and age can lose their shape and flexibility and thus their ability to perform their function, which is to serve as a shock absorption system for your spine.
Though thought of an age-related condition, because it can naturally come with the aging process, disc deterioration is caused by overuse and strain, so youth is not always a protection against the disc degeneration; people of all ages have this condition.
Degenerative disc conditions typically manifest as pain in the lumbar (lower back) or cervical (neck) areas of the spine. The onset of the disease symptoms can be gradual, as the discs go through one or more stages of thinning, bulging, and hernia. The ways in which the spine adjusts to these disc changes ultimately results in the pain conditions.
How DDD Progresses
The process is slow and cumulative. Though some people are born genetically predisposed to DDD, lifestyle habits can also impact the health of the discs. Smoking, for example, causes the disc to become dehydrated, which in turn results in thinner, less spongy discs.
The process of DDD starts at the disc, but can continue to impact surrounding areas of the spine, and cause other issues like bones spurs and spinal stenosis. As the discs lose their ability to carry loads and support mobility of the spine, the motion of the facet joints changes. The cartilage that protects these joints wears in this process and the joint becomes overly mobile. This can result in bone spurs, which can cause pinched nerves and spinal stenosis.
Degenerative Disc Disease symptoms can arise slowly or can present as an acute condition. The way in which the pain presents is a clue that DDD is present. Pain generally is seen when bending, twisting and lifting, or when sitting for long periods. Conversely, pain is diminished with frequent position changes, when lying down or when walking and running.
Medical attention should be sought if pain worsens or becomes disabling. Frequently, with acute episodes of DDD, patients cannot stand upright or walk. Other signs that medical attention is required include: weakness, numbness, pain or tingling in the legs and loss of bladder or bowel control.
DDD Diagnosis
Given the slow nature of its development, diagnosis of DDD can be difficult. However a diagnosis can be achieved through a variety of standard tests. These often start with a simple exam to determine your range of motion and where in that range pain begins. An exam can also be done by simply feeling the spine for alignment and or muscle spasms. During the exam, you are likely to be asked about the characteristics of the pain, for example whether it is localized or spreads to other parts of the body.
X-rays can determine whether there is narrowing in the spinal channel (stenosis), bone spurs, fractures or osteoarthritis, vertical alignment issues, scoliosis. Depending on the symptoms and other factors, doctors can order either plain X-rays, or X-rays that measure your spine's range of motion. Doctors can also order a CT scan or MRI, which are more useful tools for determining whether there are problems with spinal tissue, budging or herniated discs.
If DDD damage is suspected, the doctor can also order an electromyography (EMG) which measures nerve response. There is a series of other diagnostics as well, include bone scans, discography, and myelogram.
Degenerative Disc Disease Exercises
There are numerous exercise treatments that help alleviate DDD pain and associated conditions. When doing any exercises for this condition, bear in mind that the aim is to strengthen the muscles in your body that can share the load with your back. This means the stomach muscles and muscles in your legs and back. The idea is to keep your body stable as you go through these exercises; you should complete them only at the speed at which you are able to also keep your back and body stable.
The first of these is done by lying on the floor with the knees bents and the arms at y 00004000 our side. Tighten your stomach muscles and then slowly lift one leg three to four inches off the ground. Return that leg to the floor and repeat for the other leg. Ideally you should hold the lifted position for about 30 seconds, and complete two to three repetitions initially. The reps can be increased as you gain strength.
Another is done from the same position, lying with your back on the floor, legs bent up and arms to the side. Tighten your stomach muscles and slowly lift your buttocks up off the floor. Hold the position for 30 seconds and slowly return the buttocks to the floor.
Yet another starts by lying with your stomach on the floor. Tighten your stomach muscles and slowly lift one of your legs off of the floor, with knee slightly bent, and hold that position for 30 seconds. Slowly return the leg to the floor and repeat for the other leg.
Conclusion
DDD is a condition in which, over time and with use, the spinal discs lose their ability to perform their function of load carrying and shock absorption in the spine. This functional loss can result in other spine-related conditions as well. At a certain point of deterioration, chronic pain will ensue. Precise diagnosis of the cause of the DDD can take a number of different forms, and exercises can be done to strengthen the body and reduce pain symptoms.
If you are suffering chronic or debilitating pain, you should consult a medical professional for diagnosis and treatment.
