Degenerative Disc Disease

“Degenerative disc disease is a global health issue with millions of people suffering from it, especially in people more than 80 years old. Even in research studies, disc degeneration is reported in almost 30 percent of adults above 35 years of age. It limits movement and affects the overall living standards, thus persuading the need for prompt diagnosis and treatment. There is a cause for concern for players as well as people who lead active lives to seek treatment at the right time, as it helps to avert any further destruction.” – Columbia Neurosurgery

Degenerative Disc Disease Meaning

Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) is a condition where the intervertebral discs of the spine lose their usual structure and function over time. This condition starts causing pain and discomfort. These discs act as cushions between the vertebrae. These are known to provide flexibility and absorb shocks. As people age or due to injury, discs dry out, become thin, or develop small tears. It further leads to reduced cushioning and mobility. Degenerative Disc disease or condition is more of a natural ageing process than a specific illness. It can easily be treated with therapy or lifestyle adjustments. Consult our expert at Axis Clinics to better understand your condition and possible treatment methods.

Degenerative Disc Disease Symptoms

Degenerative disc disease symptoms often cause worsening pain. The pain limits a person’s physical activities and quality of life. It is important to spot the symptoms early for proper degenerative disc disease treatment.

Chronic Back or Neck Pain: One can experience backache or neck ache that may be mild, moderate, severe, or completely bedridden.
Pain that Worsens with Activity: Due to the increased load on the degenerative disc, activities such as bending, lifting, twisting, or sitting further trigger symptoms.
Tingling or Numbness: Tingling, burning, or numbness in the legs, arms, or other body parts.
Reduced Flexibility: Limited flexibility, affecting daily movements and routines.
Muscle Weakness: One can experience weakness in muscles.
Pain that Improves with Rest: Especially when one lies down or changes position, as it relieves the strain on the spine.
Radiating Pain: One can also feel pain in the buttocks, thighs, shoulders, or arms. It depends on whether the disc lesion is cervical or lumbar region.
Intermittent Flare-ups: Symptoms may vary in intensity, and some activities or positions may lead to acute or exacerbated symptoms.

Degenerative Disc Disease Causes and Risk Factors

Degenerative disc disease is a usual result of ageing. Over time, the spinal discs dehydrate and lose their elasticity and cushioning. Then, they tend to shrink and develop fissures.

Age: This condition is more commonly seen in people aged over 30 years. Discs tend to wear out with age.
Genetics: A person with a history of spine conditions may have a higher predisposition.
Injury: Ageing, injuries or trauma of the spine, and excessive straining may wear out the discs.
Degenerative Disc Disease at Multiple Levels: Degenerative disc disease at multiple levels refers to discs degenerating at several levels. This further worsens the condition and its complications.
Obesity: Excess body weight puts pressure on the spinal column. This hastens the degenerate change of discs.
Sedentary Lifestyle: Extended periods of reclining tend to weaken the muscles that are used to support the spinal cord.
Poor Nutrition: Deficiency of important elements such as calcium and vitamin D is detrimental to the health of bones and discs, respectively.

Diagnosis of Degenerative Disc Disease

Degenerative disc disease diagnosis relies on three things. They are a review of the medical history, a physical exam, and advanced imaging. Doctors use X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans to image the disc. It is essential to have a correct diagnosis to develop an appropriate treatment for degenerative disc disease.

Common Diagnosis Methods Our Experts Use:

X-rays
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Computed Tomography (CT) scans
Discography tests
Electromyography (EMG)

For advanced degenerative disc disease treatment, these diagnostics ensure personalized care.

Is There Any Cure for Degenerative Disc Disease? - Annular Tear/Degenerated Disc Disease Treatment

Since these conditions are caused by degeneration of the disc, the treatment mainly remains conservative. The focus of the treatment is to make the muscles surrounding the spine stronger for increased support. Regenerative orhobiologics treatment may slow down this degeneration and help in healing the natural way. Physical therapy and strength training help a lot. However, heat and cold therapy, along with pain relief medicines and injections, are effective in managing pain and inflammation.

But if the degeneration has caused an issue with a herniated disc, sciatica, etc, and it’s not found to be healing, then minimally invasive treatments are done. If you get to the right healthcare provider like Axis Clinics, the minimally invasive procedure will be done along with ortho biologics implantation for faster recovery.

In some rare cases, an invasive procedure may be required urgently to extract the affected part. Hence, spinal fusion is also done to bring stability back by fusing two consecutive spine bones after extraction.

Degenerative Disc Disease Recovery and Rehabilitation

Recovering from degenerative disc disease focuses on managing symptoms, improving mobility, and preventing further disc deterioration. Here’s how:

Time for Recovery

Degenerative disc disease recovery time depends on the extent of the disease and the treatment.

In mild cases: Treatment with physiotherapy, medication, and bed rest takes about 4 – 6 weeks.
In moderate cases: When treated with non-surgical means epidural or intradiscal orthobiologics or steroid injections, it takes approximately 6 – 12 weeks in recovery.
In severe cases: If surgery is necessary, recovery time can last for months. During this period, reconditioning exercises play an important role in the healing process.

Rehabilitation Tips

To aid recovery and improve spinal health, follow these practical rehabilitation tips:

Physical Therapy: A physical therapist can design and guide you through comprehensive exercises aimed at strengthening your back and abdominal supportive muscles for the spine.
Stretching Exercises: Pain stiffness wears off with some simple movements known as stretches. Practicing yoga and pilates is advisable where there is an instructor.
Posture Correction: When performing sedentary or dynamic tasks, good posture should be observed so that the spine is not strained.
Pain Management: Discomfort can be managed with either heat or cold applications. Self-medicating with these drugs is risky, though. Always see a doctor first.

Lifestyle Modifications: Steer clear of activities involving heavy weights, jerky actions, and movements that increase pain. Resume ordinary activities in the timelines set by health specialists.
Diet and Nutrition: Adequate intake of dietary anti-inflammatory foods coupled with calcium & vitamin D-rich foods will promote healing while ensuring healthier days of the spine.

Prevention Tips for Degenerated Disc Diseases

You can’t always avoid degenerative disc disease. However, simple lifestyle changes can reduce the risk. Simple measures in their everyday life can lead to a significant reduction in risks. Early corrective approaches can help prevent disc degeneration. They can also improve the spine’s condition.

Prevention tips to follow:

Maintain a healthy weight to minimize pressure on the spine.
Remain active and exercise regularly, but do low-impact workouts.
Do not smoke, as it reduces spinal disc health.
Use proper techniques when engaging in heavy lifting.
Practice an upright body position while sitting, standing, or even working.
Drink sufficient water to keep the discs at an excellent level.
Eat food that contains calcium and also vitamin D.

When to See a Doctor?

Chronic back or neck pain that affects daily activities needs urgent treatment. If the pain worsens or you feel numb in your arms or legs, visit experts at Axis Clinics. Timely treatment can avoid complications to your spine.

Conclusion

In conclusion, living with degenerative disc diseases can be very challenging. But it is possible to recover strength and relieve pain. Axis Clinics has professional help and minimally invasive treatment options. Get in touch now!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can annular tears heal themselves?

Over time, annular tears can mend themselves by covering the damaged area with scar tissue. However, you need to make sure to visit a doctor to prevent the worsening of the condition.

When is surgery needed for an annular tear/degenerated disc disease?

Surgery is only considered following the failure of conservative measures. 90% of people with annular tears typically do not require surgery.

Is an annular tear/degenerated disc disease normal?

The spine can develop an annular tear, a common degenerative disorder, naturally as you age or because of an injury or abnormal strain on the spine.

Can an annular tear/degenerated disc disease cause paralysis?

An annular disc tear can have more complex consequences if it is not treated properly. This illness may cause paralysis, loss of neurological function, or even death in severe cases.

Is an annular tear/degenerated disc disease a disability?

An annular tear is among the most common causes of disability and one of the most frequent reasons for being absent from work. However, annular tear treatment options are easily available, that too with a high success rate.