Degenerative disc disease is wear and tear on the discs that lie between your spinal bones and serve as shock absorbers, protecting the spine and helping it stay flexible. This wear and tear causes pain and other symptoms. Some degeneration is normal as you age. Not all degeneration will result in symptoms of this disease.

The disc loses fluid and is not as resilient as normal. The fibrous tissue, which holds the disc material in place, may suffer small tears. These tears lead to further damage. There is some evidence that genetics may play a part for some people.

Could it be Degenerative Disc Disease? Please call TriStar MedLine® at (615) 342-1919 to make an appointment with one of our specialists.

Symptoms

Degenerative disc may cause:

  • Pain in the low back, buttocks, thighs, or neck
  • Pain that worsens when sitting, bending, lifting, or twisting
  • Pain that feels better when walking, changing positions, or lying down
  • Periods of severe pain that gets better after a few days or months
  • Numbness and tingling into the legs
  • Weakness in the legs
  • Inability to raise the foot at the ankle

Risk Factors

Factors that may increase your chance of degenerative disc disease include:

  • Increased age
  • Family history of degenerative disc disease
  • Sports
  • Back injury
  • Smoking
  • Heavy physical work
  • Obesity

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done.

Images may be taken of the disc and surrounding area. This can be done with:

  • MRI scan
  • X-ray
  • Discography

Your bodily fluids may be tested. This can be done with:

  • Blood tests
  • Urine tests

Your nerves may be evaluated. This can be done with an electromyogram and nerve conduction studies.

Treatment

Talk with your doctor about the best plan for you. Treatment options include:

Physical Therapy

Therapy for this condition is focused on teaching you how to manage your back pain. This may involve:

  • Posture Training
  • Exercise
  • Ice packs
  • Heating
  • Electrical stimulation
  • Relaxation
  • Other forms of physical therapy

Injections

Steroid injections may be used for some short term pain relief. They are injected around the nerves exiting the spinal cord.

Surgery

Surgery may be required for some. Surgery may involve removing the degenerated disc and fusing two of the vertebra together.

Still concerned about Degenerative Disc Disease? Please call TriStar MedLine® at (615) 342-1919 to make an appointment with one of our specialists.