Print
BlinkList
del.icio.us
Digg
Facebook
StumbleUpon
Technorati
Degenerative Disc Disease
A natural part of the aging process, degenerative disc disease refers to the slow breaking down of spinal discs due to wear and tear. As the body gets older, the spinal discs begin to lose water, making them more brittle and susceptible to damage. Over time, this can lead to conditions such as bulging or herniated disc, both of which can develop slowly over time or quickly due to sudden trauma.
Degenerative Disc Disease Symptoms
The area of the body in which degenerative disc disease symptoms manifest depends on the location of the affected disc and the nerve it is affecting. For example, a disc pressing on a nerve root in the cervical portion of the spine that includes vertebrae C1-C7 would present symptoms in the neck, upper back, and arms. A disc pushing on a nerve in the lumbar region of the spine, which includes the L1-L5 vertebrae, would cause symptoms in the lower back, buttocks, legs, and feet.
Regardless of where the symptoms are felt, they usually include one or more of the following:
- Numbness
- Tingling or a “pins and needles” feeling
- Weakness
- Muscle spasms
- Pain
- Restricted movement of limbs and/or the back
Degenerative Disc Disease Treatments
Conservative treatments for degenerative disc disease include:
- Pain medicines
- Epidural steroid injections
- Hot and cold compresses
- Resting
- Strength training
- Physical therapy
- Stretching
For more information on degenerative disc disease symptoms, causes, and treatments, or to request a complimentary review of your CT scan or MRI by one of our medical experts, contact Laser Spine Institute.