What is Degenerative Disc Disease?
Degenerative disc disease is not as much a disease as it is a name for the process of change that can happen to the spine over time from uneven weight displacement put upon spinal structures because the bones have moved from their normal position due to forces such as slips, falls and auto accidents. Other causes may be lifelong bad posture habits, inflammatory diets and lack of exercise that cause demineralization of the skeletal structures, and inflammation of the joints causing structures to weaken and loose their proper supportive position.
Vertebral discs are made of a tough, rubbery exterior and a soft interior. They sit between the vertebrae to act as shock absorbors. When vertebra have been allowed to stay displaced for decades, the spinal discs can begin to degenerate due to uneven weight carrying, as bone remolds itself according to the stress it is placed under. This weakening can lead to fibers of the disc to weaken, allowing the liquid center to now ooze outward, causing the disc to bulge, or in a complete break thru the fibers, to herniate. Degenerative arthritic changes of the spine can also lead to a condition known as spinal stenosis: a narrowing of the canal that holds the spinal cord, and osteoarthritis; the formation of bony points at the ends of the vertebra that the body intuitively makes in an attempt to fuse 2 vertebra together to prevent further movement from their normal position in an attempt to stabilize the spine.
Degenerative Disc Symptoms
The degeneration of spinal discs may cause no symptoms at all, and symptoms depend on each patient and the severity of their case. Spinal degeneration can lead to a loss of height in later years.
Pain may occur at the site of the affected disc in the back or neck. More often however as the pain is often caused by compressed nerves, this pain will also travel to other areas of the body like the buttocks, arms, legs, feet, toes or fingers as either a traveling warm or burning sensation down the leg or arm into the feet or hands, or as a sharp knife stab into the buttock area or upper shoulder . Numbness and tingling in the arms and legs may also be experienced. Pain can range from mild to severe and debilitating. Realize that there are other situations that can cause these symptoms, and it is best to be examined by a trained practitioner, not to jump to conclusions that you have sciatica, or a disc problem.
In addition to long term untreated injuries, other factors that may come into play that may cause osteoarthritis include obesity, smoking, (smoking depletes our vitamin C, causing collagen to loose its supportive strength weakening ligaments and connective tissue), repetitive unbalanced physical work, and an inflammatory diet or nutritional deficiencies of nutrients needed to support bone growth and ligament strength.
Degenerative Disc Treatment
Pain caused by degeneration is often treated with a combination of specific spinal adjustments to align structures, hot or cold packs, topical pain and muscle relaxing gels, pain patches, supportive taping, gentle massage, reiki, therapy machines, braces, exercise, physical therapy, or in extreme cases an anti inflammatory medication. There are many natural oils or herbals that are quite effective on low grade musculoskeletal pain and inflammation that can be tried first before going on prescription meds.. We always recommend that you first double check with your pharmacy to rule out any drug and herbal interactions that may be contraindicated.
We always discuss proper lifting techniques, and the best way to sit, watch TV, align your car seat, head rest, steering wheel, carry groceries or laundry, do household chores, or work on your computer. Many times, it is the habits people have, not their arthritis at all that is causing their discomfort.
There are things you can do to prevent pain, create increased stability, and slow progression. If you are
experiencing frequent back or neck pain, be sure to visit our office for an examination so we can evaluate what the cause is, and help you to be more comfortable.