Degenerative Disc Disease

Backaches - a condition that’s soaring among almost every age group, from youngsters to the elderly. Most people experience back pain at some point in their lives. According to - World Health Organization (WHO), back pain affected 619 million people globally and the numbers are expected to rise in the coming years. Various factors add up to this number, while some factors are congenital, others are due to spinal injury, and age-related wear & tear, and one of the key contributing factors is poor posture, especially among young people leading to alarming levels of back & neck pain numbers.

One such spinal disorder that usually occurs with natural wear & tear of the spinal disc is degenerative disc disease. The spine is the main support structure of the body and is made up of a series of 24 bones called vertebrae. These bones are stacked on top of each other and separated by discs that work as cushions between the bones. These discs facilitate bending movement and different motions. Degenerative disc disease is a condition in which these discs start to degenerate naturally as we age causing the bones to start rubbing against each other.

Degenerative disc disease is more common in the upper and lower spine, causing neck and back pain as the most evident symptom. Individuals facing this issue can experience numbness or tingling in the arms, legs, and buttocks. 

Why it’s a Common Issue as People Age?

Degenerative disc disease is common in adults over 40. As we age, repeated stress from activities such as walking, twisting, lifting, bending etc. causes microscopic tears in the outer disc layer increasing the likelihood of damage leading to disc degeneration. Additionally, as we age we tend to lose water content in the body, since the spinal discs are made of 80% water they can withstand shocks and maintain their flexibility. However, the disc's capacity to absorb shocks is diminished as the water content drops and they thin and shrink. Additional factors that contribute to the prevalence of degenerative disc disease in the elderly include decreased blood flow, accumulated micro-injuries, oxidative stress & inflammation, spinal alignment changes, and other conditions of a similar nature.

What are the types of Degenerative Disc Diseases?

The term degenerative disc disease refers to the gradual deterioration of spinal discs which can result in several different spinal disorders. The types of degenerative disc diseases based on region include,

• Cervical Degenerative Disc Disease: Cervical disc degeneration may cause pain, numbness, and stiffness in the neck, and can radiate to shoulders and arms.

• Lumbar Degenerative Disc Disease: The lumbar spine bears most of the body's weight and is more prone to wear & tear over time. Chronic lower back pain as well as pain in the legs and buttocks can be caused by disc degeneration in the lower back. Additionally, it may result in leg numbness and muscle weakness.

• Thoracic Degenerative Disc Disease: Disc degeneration in the thoracic part of the spine is not very common. However, thoracic disc degeneration can cause pain in the mid-back radiating around the ribs or chest.

What are the importance of timely Diagnosis and Management?

The spine is a vital component of the human body. The spine is the primary structural element of the body supporting the body and protecting the nervous system. Any spinal deformities can affect overall health, flexibility, and mobility. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for reducing the serious effects and improving the quality of life. Early action can help in many ways including,

• Pain management: Early intervention can improve mobility aid in the effective management of pain and improve mental health by lowering the stress and anxiety brought on by chronic pain.

• Preservation of function: Prompt action can avert long-term functional impairments such as loss of sensation, muscle weakness, and mobility issues.

• Better treatment outcomes: Surgical intervention can be avoided with early detection and treatment. Physical therapy, medication, etc are examples of measures that may help resolve the issue or at least stop the underlying condition from getting worse.

• Prevention of further damage: Spinal degeneration or compression of the nerves surrounding the spine can cause pain, numbness and even paralysis. Early intervention can aid in preventing additional harm to surrounding nerves, and other body parts.

• Psychological well-being: Issues like functional limitation and chronic pain can lead to social isolation, depression and other side effects. Early resolution of these issues may mitigate these secondary issues.

What are the causes of Degenerative Disc Disease?

As we age our muscles tend to weaken, our skin gets thinner and drier, our heart rate decreases, and many other things change. Similarly, the health of our spines also deteriorates with age. As the discs between the spinal bones deteriorate a number of spinal disorders can result. Disc degeneration and related conditions can be brought on by aging but other factors like genetics injuries and lifestyle choices also play a role. The following are the primary causes of disc degeneration,

• Drying Out of Spinal Disc: The spinal disc functions as the cushion between the spinal bones is made up of water making them absorb shock and maintain their flexibility. However, as we age, the water content in the body decreases, causing these discs to get thin and shrink. As the disc completely wears out the bones start to rub against each other leading to various spinal conditions.

• Cracking/Tearing of Spinal Disc: As we age, repeated stress from activities such as walking, twisting, lifting, bending etc. causes microscopic tears in the outer disc layer increasing the likelihood of damage leading to disc degeneration.

What are Degenerative Disc Disease Risk Factors?

What are the Symptoms of Degenerative Disc Disease?

Disc degeneration usually occurs in elderly people. The symptoms may differ based on the location or the area of disc degeneration. Some of the common symptoms of disc degeneration based on location include,


Location-specific symptoms:

Cervical Spine (upper spine): Disc degeneration in the cervical spine may cause neck pain or stiffness, tingling, numbness, or weakness in shoulders, arms, and hands.

Thoracic Spine (Mid spine): Degeneration around the thoracic spine is not common, however, it can cause pain in the torso, abdomen, ribs, etc.

Lumbar Spine (lower spine): Disc degeneration in the lower spine is the most common. Individuals suffering from disc degeneration in the lower spine may experience lower back pain, sciatica, and leg weakness.

Common symptoms:

Chronic Pain: Persistent aching pain can be experienced in the neck or lower back. The pain can worsen with sitting, twisting, lifting, or while making any movements.

Numbness and Tingling: Numbness or loss of sensation and tingling can be experienced due to nerve compression.

Muscle Weakness: Weakness in the muscles can be experienced especially around the arms, hands, and legs.

What are the Diagnosis of Degenerative Disc Disease

A spine specialist can diagnose the degenerative disc disease by performing a physical examination. The specialist might inquire about numbness, pain locations and other symptoms. The specialist can further assess for:

Nerve Function: To evaluate nerve compression and monitor nerve response.
Muscle Strength: Recognise any weakening or contracting muscles.
Pain: Determine the degree of pain in the particular or impacted areas in response to touch.

Following a physical examination the specialist may recommend specific imaging tests to assess disc alignment and identify the precise location, type, and severity of the issue. Some of the frequently used imaging tests include,

CT Scan: Helps create 2D images of the spine & provides a detailed view.
Spine X-ray: Provides a basic view of the spine to help identify bone spurs, fractures, etc.
MRI: Gives a detailed image of the soft tissues, disc, ligaments, nerves, etc.

What are the Treatment Options for Degenerative Disc Disease

The severity of the condition and the underlying symptoms determine the treatment of degenerated discs. Stretching, low-impact exercise, hot and cold therapy, and adequate rest are all effective at-home treatments for mildly symptomatic degenerated discs. However non-invasive and invasive treatment methods are advised if the symptoms are severe and persist after treatment at home or if they are becoming worse.

Non-invasive Treatments:

Medications: Prescribed medicines and muscle relaxants can help reduce pain and discomfort.

Physical Therapy: This involves exercises, stretching, etc to help release strain on the muscles, and nerves, and help strengthen the surrounding muscles.

Alternative Therapy: Therapies like chiropractic, acupuncture, and massage, can be used to manage pain and release muscle tension around the nerve & surrounding muscles.

Invasive/Surgical Treatments:

Surgical treatments are recommended for individuals with more severe symptoms. Disc degeneration pain is typically treated and managed with non-invasive methods by specialists; however surgical procedures are the recommended course of action if non-surgical methods are insufficient to address problems and relieve pain. Among the surgical techniques used to manage disc degeneration are discectomy, foraminotomy, spinal fusion, laminectomy, etc.

Coping with Degenerative Disc Disease

To effectively manage degenerative disc disease a combined approach involving lifestyle adjustments, emotional support, and physical activity is recommended. Some of the coping strategies for degenerative disc disease include,

Coping Strategy	Description
Lifestyle Modifications	Maintain proper posture, healthy weight
Physical Activity	Perform low-impact exercises, stretching
Pain Management	Use heat/cold therapy, prescribed medications
Alternative Therapies	Acupuncture, massage therapy, chiropractic care
Mind-Body Techniques	Meditation, deep breathing, yoga to reduce stress