Degenerative disc disease (spondylosis) is in itself, a misnomer. Many people think that degenerative disc disease applies to old age-related symptoms but there are just as many young people that have degenerated discs. It itself is not a disease, since it's not something that you get from other people but a condition that can be genetically, hereditarily, or accidentally caused. It is something that happens naturally over age, but people with degenerated discs may not even know it, as there are many cases where there is no pain involved.
The most important parts in the spine are the lumbar vertebrae, and central to this is the disc in the lumbar segment of the spine. It allows us to walk, stand, bend, and absorbs the shocks our body gets when we move about normally. Built like a jelly doughnut, tough skin completely encloses a jelly-like liquid that lessens as we get older. That is one form of degenerative disc disease. The painful kind happens when the skin tears because of bad posture or an accident and the jelly inside seeps out and affects the nerves that are near it. This also inflames the disc and lessens the blood supply to the lumbar area, blocking nutrients and oxygen that could otherwise heal the disc.
Lower back pain demands a visit to the doctor for a physical exam coupled with MRI scans to find any "dark discs" which mean they are either drying out or leaking. If your pain gets worse when you sit for a long time, or when you lift, twist, or bend, or if the pain goes away while you're walking, running, or in a prone position, tell the doctor. That means there is too much pressure on the lumbar area.
If the conditions are left untreated, the leg may go numb or tingle because of the pain down the rear. However, the pain usually does not go beyond the knee. The good news is that these rarely indicate nerve damage unless there is weakness in the leg muscles, which is such an indicator.
There are conservative treatments practiced first but if the pain is not cured over the course of about three months, only then is a surgical option explored, not unlike bulging disc treatments. The treatments must involve the patient himself, otherwise, the degenerative disc disease will not be cured or eased at all. The patient must give himself rest but continue mild exercise like walking, biking, or swimming; he must also practice proper posture in order to put the least stress on the lumbar disc; and apply cold and/or hot packs to the affected area. Combined with a choice of chiropractic treatments, physical therapy, massage therapy, ultrasound therapy, and acupuncture, the pain can definitely be managed. Some medications like anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, or pain relievers may be prescribed as well.
Thankfully, with a little tweak to our lifestyle and exercise, this condition is one thing we can all handle. Degenerative disc disease is currently managed with non-invasive treatments since surgery is only reserved for cases where damage to the nerves and curvature of the spine are starting to wreak havoc on the body.
The most important parts in the spine are the lumbar vertebrae, and central to this is the disc in the lumbar segment of the spine. It allows us to walk, stand, bend, and absorbs the shocks our body gets when we move about normally. Built like a jelly doughnut, tough skin completely encloses a jelly-like liquid that lessens as we get older. That is one form of degenerative disc disease. The painful kind happens when the skin tears because of bad posture or an accident and the jelly inside seeps out and affects the nerves that are near it. This also inflames the disc and lessens the blood supply to the lumbar area, blocking nutrients and oxygen that could otherwise heal the disc.
Lower back pain demands a visit to the doctor for a physical exam coupled with MRI scans to find any "dark discs" which mean they are either drying out or leaking. If your pain gets worse when you sit for a long time, or when you lift, twist, or bend, or if the pain goes away while you're walking, running, or in a prone position, tell the doctor. That means there is too much pressure on the lumbar area.
If the conditions are left untreated, the leg may go numb or tingle because of the pain down the rear. However, the pain usually does not go beyond the knee. The good news is that these rarely indicate nerve damage unless there is weakness in the leg muscles, which is such an indicator.
There are conservative treatments practiced first but if the pain is not cured over the course of about three months, only then is a surgical option explored, not unlike bulging disc treatments. The treatments must involve the patient himself, otherwise, the degenerative disc disease will not be cured or eased at all. The patient must give himself rest but continue mild exercise like walking, biking, or swimming; he must also practice proper posture in order to put the least stress on the lumbar disc; and apply cold and/or hot packs to the affected area. Combined with a choice of chiropractic treatments, physical therapy, massage therapy, ultrasound therapy, and acupuncture, the pain can definitely be managed. Some medications like anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, or pain relievers may be prescribed as well.
Thankfully, with a little tweak to our lifestyle and exercise, this condition is one thing we can all handle. Degenerative disc disease is currently managed with non-invasive treatments since surgery is only reserved for cases where damage to the nerves and curvature of the spine are starting to wreak havoc on the body.
About the Author:
Vern Zackerack examines spinal disc problems at his site, Bulging-Disc-Treatment. Read more about herniated disc symptoms and bulging disc.
