Degenerative disc disease is a major cause of back or neck pain for many adults over 40. Though it’s called a “disease,” degenerative disc disease is a natural part of the aging process – one of those pesky parts of getting old.
What is Degenerative Disc Disease?
A chain of small bones called vertebrae make up your spine. There are spongy, cushion-like discs between each vertebrae which function as shock absorbers, allowing your spine to twist, bend, and move around. Like sofa cushions that have seen a lot of wear and tear over the years, these discs can wear down over time and thin out. This is known as degenerative disc disease.
Degenerative Disc Disease Symptoms
Whether or not you experience pain from degenerative disc disease depends largely on luck, lifestyle, and genetics. Some people may not have any pain, while others suffer from the following symptoms:
- Neck pain
- Stiffness in the back and neck
- Pain or discomfort bending or sitting
- Pain traveling into the arms or legs
- Lower back pain
Common Causes and Risk Factors For Degenerative Disc Disease
As we mentioned above, degenerative disc disease in many people is an inevitable part of aging. A healthy spinal disc is made up of about 80% water. As we age, the spinal discs lose water and dry out, becoming stiff and more prone to shrinking or cracking and resulting in pain and stiffness.
While all older adults experience some form of degenerative disc disease, certain risk factors may increase the severity of degradation and pain, such as:
- Obesity (puts excessive strain on the joints and discs)
- Smoking
- Repetitive lifting with improper form
- Heavy physical work
- Genetics
- Past spine injuries
Most of the time, degenerative disc disease occurs slowly over time, though in certain cases a sudden injury may exacerbate disc damage.
Can You Treat Degenerative Disc Disease?
Most people don’t require invasive treatment for degenerative disc disease, and surgery is typically a last resort. ACME Spine & Orthopedics offers a range of non-surgical options to help patients with pain and discomfort. Some non-surgical options include:
- Physical therapy to strengthen muscles supporting the spine. Our clinic can refer you to physical therapists who work in conjunction with any ongoing treatments for optimal healing and mobility.
- Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs may reduce swelling and pain, allowing the patient to go about their day-to-day life. If the pain is severe, your doctor may prescribe stronger medications to be used short-term.
- Injects such as epidural steroid injections for relief that last weeks to months. These injections reduce inflammation around irritated nerves.
Spinal Fusion Surgery
If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate pain, and the pain is severe and debilitating enough to impact your quality of life, surgery may be a last resort. At ACME Spine & Orthopedics, experienced spine surgeon Dr. Javier M. Figueroa performs spinal surgeries such as removing part of a damaged disc, or spinal fusion surgery, where two vertebrae are fused together to reduce friction and stabilize the spine.
Contact Us Today
Degenerative disc disease is an inevitable part of getting older – but living in pain and discomfort doesn’t have to be. If degenerative disc disease is impacting your ability to perform daily activities and reducing your quality of life, a spine specialist can help. Call ACME Spine & Orthopedics to book an appointment today.
FAQs
What are some degenerative disc disease treatments?
Treatments for degenerative disc disease include:
- Physical therapy
- Pain-reducing injections
- OTC medications
- Surgery as a last resort
What are some things to avoid with degenerative disc disease?
- Repetitive heavy lifting
- Smoking
- A sedentary lifestyle
- Sitting or laying too long in non-ergonomic positions that stress your spine
Is degenerative disc disease hereditary?
Yes, there are genetic factors to how severe degenerative disc disease can be, but almost everyone will have some form of degenerative disc disease as they age.
