Disks lie between the spinal bones (vertebra). They serve as shock absorbers. This protects the spine and helps it stay flexible. Degenerative disk disease is wear and tear on the disks. This wear and tear causes pain and other symptoms. Most people have some degeneration in disks as they age. Not all degeneration will result in symptoms of this disease.
The disk is usually dehydrated, and not as resilient as normal. The fibrous tissue, which holds the disk material in place, may suffer small tears. These tears lead to further damage. There is some evidence that genetics may play a part for some people.
The following factors may increase your risk of degenerative disk disease:
Symptoms of degenerative disk disease include:
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. Other tests may include:
Talk with your doctor about the best plan for you. Treatment options include:
Therapy for this condition is focused on teaching you how to manage your back pain. This may involve:
Steroid injections may be used for some short term pain relief. They are injected around the nerves exiting the spinal cord.
Surgery may be required for some. Surgery may involve removing the degenerated disk and fusing two of the vertebra together.
Take the following steps to help protect your spine:
RESOURCES:
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/
North American Spine Society
http://www.spine.org/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Orthopaedic Association
http://www.coa-aco.org/
Canadian Orthopaedic Foundation
http://www.canorth.org/
References:
Degenerative disc disease. Cedars-Sinai Medical Center website.
Available at:
http://www.csmc.edu/5757.html
. Accessed July 2, 2007.
Degenerative disk disease. University of Pittsburgh, Department of Neurosurgery website. Available at: http://www.neurosurgery.pitt.edu/spine/conditions/ddd.html . Accessed July 2, 2007.
Paassilta P, Lohiniva J, Göring HH, et al. Identification of a novel common genetic risk factor for lumbar disk disease. JAMA . 2001;285:1843-1849.
Last reviewed September 2009 by Robert E. Leach, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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