Degenerative Disc Disease
Degenerative Disc Disease occurs when the discs between the vertebrae of your spinal column begin to deteriorate progressively. These discs are responsible for shock absorption in your spine and allows for freedom of movement.
As discs deteriorate, they start to press on surrounding nerves. This compression is what causes the chronic pain in your back or neck.
What are the symptoms of Degenerative Disc Disease?
Common symptoms may include:
- Persistent neck or back pain
- Radiating pain into hip, leg or foot
- Radiating shoulder, mid-back or arm pain
- Numbness or tingling
- Weakness
- Pain that is worst in the morning and improves as you move
- Pain that continues despite time, rest, massage, exercise, etc…
What causes Degenerative Disc Disease?
Degenerative Disc Disease occurs when the discs between your vertebrae begin to deteriorate or dry up progressively. These discs are responsible for shock absorption and for allowing your spine to flex, bend, and twist.
In addition to the natural effects of aging, wear and tear on your back from a fall, injury, or repetitive activity is the most common reason your discs deteriorate. It is not uncommon for there to be no dramatic injury that causes it.
What can be done about Degenerative Disc Disease?
Degenerative Disc Disease is a process that takes time to progress. The amount of time varies from person to person and case to case. The reason it progresses stems from the loss of fluid/blood inside of the disc itself. It will continue to progress regardless of the therapy you do until that fluid is resupplied. Here at Advanced Spine & Disc we specialize in restoring the fluid inside of the disc and stopping much of the progression of Degenerative Disc Disease.
