A degenerative disc is a natural part of the aging process of the spine. While most people will develop a degenerative disc as they age, not all people will have symptoms. Disc degeneration varies in nature, as well as severity.
Natural Degeneration Process
The spinal disc is made up of approximately 80% water when you are born. This is what gives it the spongy quality that allows it to function as a shock absorber. This water tends to decrease as you age causing the disc to degenerate. Proteins found within the disc space will change composition. People will develop tears into the annulus fibrosus, which is the outer hard core of the disc.
Degenerative Disc Causes
As you age, spinal discs will break down. Changes occur to the spinal discs due to this natural aging process. The following are common changes that will cause your disc to degenerate over time:
- Discs will eventually lose some of their ability to act as shock absorbers. This is due to the loss of fluids in your discs. This loss in fluids will make your discs less flexible because they become thinner and narrower between the vertebrae.
- The nucleus (jelly-like material) can be forced out through tiny tears or cracks in the outer layer of the disc. This will cause the disc to bulge, rupture (break-open), or break into fragments.
- The degeneration process can also begin due to a sudden injury, such as a fall, that leads to a herniated disc.
- Less padding between the vertebrae can cause bony growths called bone spurs. When the bone spurs apply pressure on the spinal nerve roots or the spinal cord, pain can develop and nerve function can be affected.
While these changes can possibly affect anyone as they age, those who smoke, do heavy physical work, and/or are obese are at a higher risk for developing a degeneration of a disc.
Degenerative Disc and Other Health Conditions
Changes in the discs can not only cause pain in the neck or back, but they can also result in other health conditions. These health conditions include:
- Herniated disc – abnormal bulging or breaking open of a spinal disc
- Osteoarthritis – breakdown of tissue (cartilage) that protects and cushions your joints
- Spinal stenosis – narrowing of the spinal canal
These health issues could cause pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. This can cause pain and affect the functioning of the nerves.
Degenerative Disc Types
The type of degenerative disc you have is determined by the location of the degeneration. The spine is divided into three sections to describe the location of the disc degeneration. These sections are upper, mid, and lower back.
Degeneration in the upper back is called cervical. Mid-back degeneration is called thoracic. Degeneration in the lower back is called lumbar. The most common locations for a degenerative disc are in the cervical and lumbar regions. The thoracic region is not as common.
Degenerative Disc Diagnosis
In order for your doctor to diagnose your condition, a physical examination will need to be conducted. This physical examination will be targeted to the back and lower extremities. The doctor will test your back for the following:
- Flexibility
- Range of motion
- Presence of certain signs indicating your nerve roots are being affected
Your doctor will generally test the strength of your muscles and reflexes to make sure they are working properly.
An evaluation will be conducted of any symptoms you may be experiencing, such as: pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness. X-rays and/or a MRI could be ordered to get at an accurate diagnosis to determine the exact location of the degenerative disc.
