Backbone disc disease, often referred to as degenerative disc disease, is the breakdown of spinal discs, which are the rubbery cushions between the vertebrae (bones) in your spine. This breakdown is a normal part of aging and can lead to pain and other symptoms.
Understanding Spinal Discs
- Function: Spinal discs act as shock absorbers, allowing you to move, bend, and twist comfortably. They separate the vertebrae, preventing them from rubbing directly against each other.
- Composition: These discs are composed of a tough outer layer (annulus fibrosus) and a soft, gel-like inner core (nucleus pulposus).
- Degeneration: Over time, discs can lose their water content, becoming thinner and less flexible. The outer layer may also develop tears or cracks.
What Happens in Degenerative Disc Disease?
As discs degenerate, the following can occur:
- Reduced Shock Absorption: The spine becomes less able to absorb shocks and impacts.
- Decreased Space Between Vertebrae: This can lead to nerve compression, causing pain, numbness, or weakness.
- Bone Spurs: As the body tries to stabilize the spine, bone spurs (osteophytes) may form, which can further compress nerves.
- Disc Herniation: The inner core of the disc can bulge or rupture through the outer layer, pressing on nearby nerves.
Symptoms
While disc degeneration is common, it doesn't always cause symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they can vary depending on the location and severity of the degeneration. Common symptoms include:
- Pain: Often felt in the back or neck, which may radiate to the arms or legs. The pain can be intermittent or constant and may worsen with certain activities.
- Numbness and Tingling: May occur in the arms or legs due to nerve compression.
- Weakness: Can affect the muscles in the arms or legs, making it difficult to perform certain tasks.
- Stiffness: The back or neck may feel stiff, limiting range of motion.
Causes
While aging is the primary cause, other factors can contribute to degenerative disc disease:
- Genetics: Some people are predisposed to disc degeneration due to their genes.
- Injury: A sudden injury to the spine can accelerate disc degeneration.
- Lifestyle Factors: Obesity, smoking, and physically demanding jobs can increase the risk.
Diagnosis
A doctor can diagnose degenerative disc disease through:
- Physical Exam: Assessing your range of motion, reflexes, and muscle strength.
- Imaging Tests: X-rays, MRI scans, or CT scans can help visualize the spine and identify disc degeneration, nerve compression, or other abnormalities.
Treatment
Treatment options vary depending on the severity of symptoms and may include:
- Conservative Treatments:
- Pain relievers: Over-the-counter or prescription medications to manage pain.
- Physical therapy: Exercises to strengthen muscles, improve flexibility, and reduce pain.
- Chiropractic care: Spinal manipulation to improve alignment and reduce pain.
- Lifestyle Modifications: Weight loss, smoking cessation, and avoiding activities that worsen pain.
- Injections: Epidural steroid injections can help reduce inflammation and pain.
- Surgery: In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to relieve nerve compression or stabilize the spine.
