The intervertebral discs are the cushion-like pads that sit between the vertebrae (bones) in our spines. They are composed of two parts, the annulus fibrosis (the outer part) and the soft gel-like inner part, called the nucleus pulposus. When DDD occurs, the discs lose the ability to remain flexible and elastic like in quality. They are no longer the good shock absorbers they were meant to be. The outer part, the annulus fibrosis, becomes brittle and can tear. The soft inner part of the disc can dry out and shrink.

 

While many people with DDD have significant pain, there are people who have this condition who do not have discomfort. We are all different. The pain from degenerative disc disease can cause symptoms such as back pain, leg pain and weakness, or pain in the cervical area (neck) when the condition is there. The reason for the pain is due to the discs shrinking, which in turn leads to less space between the vertebrae. When this happens there is also less space for the nerve roots (spinal nerves), and they can become compressed. As a result the area of the spine, which is affected, becomes less flexible.

 

Routine X-rays will show that the space between the vertebral bodies (bones) has narrowed. This is an indication that the disc has thinned or collapsed. It is not uncommon for bone spurs to form on the vertebrae, which also leads to further compression of the nerve roots. An MRI will evaluate the severity of DDD more completely than X-rays, and will also show if there have been disc herniations, a condition where the soft gel-like material of the inner portion of the disc protrudes into the spinal canal and causes pressure on the spinal nerve.

 

Treatment of DDD varies with the severity of the condition. If there is pain alone without evidence of nerve root compression or muscle weakness, medications such as NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), and Physical Therapy will usually be tried first. Surgery is generally not done unless all conservative treatment options have failed, and there is significant pain, weakness or numbness in the legs (when the lumbar spine is involved), or the arms and hands (from cervical involvement). [1]

(2)

 

[1] http://www.back.com/causes-mechanical-degenerative.html
[2] http://www.tabers.com/tabersonline/ub/view/Tabers/74428/28/herniation

 

This article represents the author's opinions and not those of the website operator. We are not offering individualized diagnoses or medical  advice, just general medical information
Published on site 7/02/08