Degenerative Disc Disease

Also called: DDD, degeneration of the intervertebral disc

Degenerative disc disease is an age-related condition that occurs when one or more of the discs between the vertebrae of the spinal column deteriorates or is injured, leading to pain.

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There may be weakness, numbness, and pain that radiates down your leg. Simply put, degenerative disc disease refers to symptoms of back or neck pain caused by wear-and-tear on a spinal disc.

Spinal disks are like shock absorbers between the vertebrae, or bones, of your spine. They help your back stay flexible, so you can bend and twist. As you get older, they can show signs of wear and tear.

The backbone (vertebral column) is made up of 33 vertebrae. These vertebrae are grouped into divisions called the cervical (neck), thoracic (upper back), and lumbar (lower back). Each pair of vertebrae are connected by an intervertebral disc–a fibrous disc with a softer cartilage core. In a healthy spine, these intervertebral discs cushion the vertebrae and permit normal flexibility of the spine.

Degenerative Disc DiseaseAs people age, however, the discs undergo changes. They may dry out, thin, or crack. The soft cartilage core may bulge or herniate out through the fibrous outer portion of the disc. Degenerative disc disease is an umbrella term that describes these age-related processes.

Most people’s spinal discs degenerate over time. By the age of 35, approximately 30% of people will show evidence of disc degeneration at one or more levels. By the age of 60, more than 90% of people will show evidence of some disc degeneration. Degeneration itself is normal, and does not necessarily cause pain. Painless degeneration is just called degeneration. The term “degenerative disc disease” describes disc degeneration that causes pain and other symptoms.

Symptoms

Degenerative disc disease can cause pain, weakness or numbness. Exact symptoms vary depending on the location and type of disc degeneration. The primary symptoms of degenerative disc disease include sharp and /or chronic pain in the back and neck.

As the discs undergo change, the body may react and develop bony growths called bone spurs. In severe cases, these bone spurs may take up room needed by the spinal cord and surrounding nerves to move freely in the spinal canal.

If the nerves in the spine become compressed (pinched), patients may experience weakness in the arms or legs and numbness in the legs. Compression of the spinal cord itself is referred to as myelopathy. A patient with myelopathy may have difficulty walking, and may even experience loss of bladder and bowel control.

Causes and Risk Factors

Degenerative disc disease is usually associated with the normal effects of aging. The discs between the bones of the spine are made up of cartilage, fibrous tissue, and water. With age, these discs can weaken and may flatten, bulge, or break down.