If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with degenerative disc disease, do not be alarmed by the word “diseaseâ€. This is not technically a disease. It is only a word that is used to describe the normal changes happening to your spinal discs as your body ages.
On this site, you will be introduced to three types of degenerative disc disease, as well as more in depth information on the two most common types. You will learn the symptoms, causes, and treatment options available to you.
Degenerative Disc Disease Defined
The detection of degenerative disc disease by sagittal T2-weighted imaging alone was compared with the diagnostic information obtained by combined use of axial T2 and sagittal T1 and T2 images.In comparison with the full protocol, the shortened protocol had 100% sensitivity and 100% specificity in detecting loss of disc hydration and loss of disc height.In the detection of disc prolapse, the sensitivity was 87% and the specificity was 91% using the shortened protocol.The sensitivity was 35% for detection of thecal sac indentation, and 33% for nerve root encroachment.
Degenerative disc disease is a general term used to describe a spinal condition where the discs in the spine have been damaged. The general term becomes a more detailed term when the location of the degeneration is determined.
Your spine is divided into three basic segments. These are the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar regions. In the pages of this site, you will learn exactly where each section is located. You will be given even more detailed information on the cervical and lumbar sections, including the anatomy of each.
Some basic information is discussed on thoracic degenerative disc disease. Degeneration of the thoracic spine is not as common; therefore, more attention is given to the cervical and lumbar regions. Learn why the thoracic spine is not as susceptible to degeneration and why the cervical and lumbar sections are more susceptible.
Anatomy of a Healthy Disc
The primary function of a spinal disc is to act as a shock absorber between adjacent vertebrae. They also act as ligaments to hold the vertebrae of the spine together, and they act as joints to allow for mobility in the spine. The entire spine is made up of 23 vertebral discs. This allows for 23 areas for degenerative disc disease to occur.
Discs are composed of two basic parts. They consist of a tough outer material and a soft inner core. The outer portion of the disc is called annulus fibrosus. It is circular in shape and is composed of sheets of collagen lamellae (fibers) that surround the inner core.
The inner core is called the nucleus pulposus. It contains a network of fibers that are suspended in a mucoprotein gel. The annulus fibrosus part of the disc seals the gel-like material of the nucleus and evenly distributes pressure. Both parts fit together like cylinders and are interconnected by cartilage end-plates.
Anatomy of a Degenerated Disc
Hydration is the key to a healthy disc. The nucleus pulposus bears the axial load of the body. It relies on the water based contents of the nucleus to maintain strength and pliability. As you age, your discs dehydrate, which causes them to become stiffer. The loss of this hydration reduces the ability for your disc to adjust to compression.
As the disc degenerates, it can produce micromotion instability. The inflammatory proteins (inner core) may leak out of the disc space causing inflammation of the structures located next to the disc. An example of these structures is nerve roots. A twisting injury can also damage the discs. A disc cannot heal itself because it does not have blood supply. It also has very few nerve endings.
Degenerative Disc Disease Causes
The main cause for this degeneration is the natural aging process. Injury is the next most common cause. Although everyone is susceptible to developing degenerative disc disease, learn who will be more likely to actually develop symptoms. Is it possible to have degenerative disc disease and never even know it? Learn the answer to this and more in the pages of this site.
Degenerative Disc Disease Treatment
Discover what you can do at home to help alleviate the pain or discomfort of a degenerated disc. Learn some conservative care options you can try for a minimum of six months before surgery has to be considered.
There are some simple exercises you can try; however, it is highly recommended that you contact your doctor before performing any of the exercises found on this site. Exercises for cervical degenerative disc disease are found in the article titled, “Degenerative Disc Disease in Neckâ€. The following are exercises designed to help a person with lumbar degenerative disc disease:
Spinal Twist
- Lie on the floor on your back with your knees bent and your hands outstretched to a T- position.
- Drop both knees to the right. Relax with each exhale. Hold 30 seconds and repeat on the other side.
Knees to Chest
- Lie on your back while hugging both knees into your chest.
- Take slow deep breaths.
- On the exhale, relax your hips and back.
- Gently hug your knees in. Hold for 30 seconds.
Hamstring Stretch
- Lie on your back hugging your right knee into your chest.
- Straighten your right leg and flex your foot.
- Take slow, deep breaths.
- On the exhale, relax your back and gently press up through your heel. Hold for 30 seconds and repeat on other side.
Basic Abdominal Crunch
- Lie on your back with knees bent and fingertips behind your head. Feet should be flat on the floor.
- Lift straight up until the abdominal muscles contract then lower slowly back down.
- Your back should be kept in contact with the floor and your abs should be tight throughout the entire exercise.
Bridge Pose
- Lie on your back on the floor with your knees bent and your hands by your sides, palms down.
- Tighten your abs and buttocks.
- Lift your hips up as high as possible. Keep your neck straight.
- Slowly come down and repeat eight times.
These are just a few lower back exercises you can do. These exercises are designed to help loosen tight muscles, which can contribute to pain. It is important to keep your abdominal muscles strong to keep the pressure off of the lower back.
Preventing Degenerative Disc Disease
While it is difficult to completely prevent exposing your discs to the natural aging process, there are some things you can do to reduce your risks of actually experiencing the symptoms associated with this disease.
Here are just a few tips to consider:
- Lifestyle – Many lifestyle choices will expose your spine to toxic substances. These toxic substances can weaken your spine. Stop smoking and drinking alcohol and lose weight. Nicotine and other toxins found in tobacco smoke can reduce bone health. Alcohol can make your metabolism sluggish, which accelerates the destruction of your bones. Extra weight can put too much pressure on your spine.
- Posture – Maintaining good posture can help to prevent early onset of this disease because it can help to ensure your spinal bones are not strained. When lifting heavy objects, bend at the knees and carry a heavy object close.
- Diet – Eat healthy. Bones regenerate from the food you eat. Make sure you eat a lot of fruit and vegetables. Drink lots of water. Choose whole grains over refined cereals. Fit poultry, fish, lentil, nuts, beans, and tofu into your diet. Stay away from saturated fats in meat. Avoid artificially sweetened soft drinks.
- Exercise – Just 30 minutes a day can help to prevent degenerative disc disease. Exercise increases the blood flow that supplies healthy nutrients and oxygen to your bones. It also releases endorphins that work with your brain to reduce pain.
- Supplements – The best supplements to for preventing this spinal condition are: multivitamins, iron supplements, calcium supplements, and zinc supplements. These all play a part in increasing bone strength.
This site has been designed as a general source of information. It is important to talk with your doctor if you are experiencing any symptoms of degenerative disc disease.
