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Degenerative Disc Disease Symptoms And Treatments

MAR 2022
Degenerative Disc Disease Symptoms And Treatments
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Degenerative Disc Disease

Our spinal discs may show symptoms of wear and tear as we age. This happens to nearly everyone. However, not everyone will develop Degenerative Disc Disease. This is a condition that results in pain due to a damaged disc. There is a wide range of severity and symptoms associated with this condition.

What Is Degenerative Disc Disease?

Degenerative Disc Disease or DDD is the condition whereby one or multiple discs in one’s back loses their strength. DDD is a progressive condition, that happens over time due to wear and tear or injury.

The discs that it affects are located between the vertebrae of your spine. They help you stand upright and act as shock absorbers and cushions. They also assist in letting you go about everyday motions, such as bending over and twisting around. DDD may worsen over time. The mild or extreme pain it causes can interfere with your day-to-day activities.

Symptoms Of Degenerative Disc Disease

Symptoms Of Degenerative Disc Disease

The cause of DDD varies depending on the severity of the condition. However, some of its most common causes may include pain that:

  • Gets worse from sitting
  • Gets worse after bending or twisting
  • Extends from your neck to your arms
  • Extends to your legs and buttocks
  • Affects the lower back

This condition can also cause numbness in your legs and arms, as well as weakened leg muscles. People with Degenerative Disc Disease may experience less pain after exercise or walking.

Causes Of Degenerative Disc Disease

Wear and tear of the spinal discs are the primary cause of Degenerative Disc Disease. Naturally, discs tend to dry out over time. This causes them to lose their function and support. Pain and other symptoms of DDD result when this happens. DDD can progressively worsen after you begin developing the condition in your 30s or 40s.

Among the common causes of DDD are:

Age: It is somewhere between the ages of 20 and 25 that the spine begins to degenerate. However, you may not see most people in their twenties complaining of back pain because it takes a while for the spinal discs to wear down. There are other contributing factors or causes of these conditions aside from normal aging.

Genes: It is believed that some genetic markers increase the risk of Degenerative Disc Disease, even though scientists have been unable to identify them. DDD tends to run in families, and many of the associated genetic factors could make the spinal disc weaker.

Injuries: Your risk of DDD can increase when you suffer from injuries. This is common with back injuries that cause soreness or swelling.

Excess weight or obesity: Obesity or excess weight can increase the amount of load your spine has to carry. This can compress the spinal discs. People in the normal weight range are less likely to develop Degenerative Disc Disease compared to those who are overweight.

Smoking: There is evidence that one of the contributing factors to a degenerative spinal disc is smoking. The breakdown of the spinal disc is a key factor, even if it does not always cause pain.

Spinal disease: Your risk factor of DDD can increase with certain back conditions. One such condition is ankylosing spondylitis, an inflammatory condition of the spine that causes the fusing together of the vertebrae.

Your activity level: Certain daily activities can cause DDD. Whether it is in the past or present, you may be engaged in activities such as heavy lifting, playing tennis, dancing, wrestling, or running. These activities at high levels can cause the wear and tear of your spinal discs, leading to DDD.

Treatments For Degenerative Disc Disease

Treatments For Degenerative Disc Disease

Chiropractic care is beneficial for patients suffering from DDD. A primary reason for this is the fact that this is a gradually progressing condition. If caught early, your chiropractor can provide treatments that can slow down the progress of DDD. This saves you from years of chronic pain and relying on painkillers or expensive surgeries to maintain your mobility.

Your chiropractor will carry out medical diagnostics when you have symptoms of DDD. Based on the examination that is initially performed, your chiropractor may order that you go for an MRI to detect DDD. Imaging tests such as MRI can reveal damaged discs and rule out other causes of the pain.

Some common treatments for Degenerative Disc Disease may include:

1. Exercise

There are other treatment alternatives to degenerative disc disease, but exercise can be used to complement them. Specific types of exercises can help strengthen the muscles surrounding the damaged discs. Proper exercise can improve the flow of blood to the affected areas, while also increasing oxygen and nutrients. This will help reduce painful swelling.

The first form of exercise when it comes to DDD is stretching. You should always do stretches before any type of workout. For example, yoga can help treat back pain. Its other benefits include increased strength and flexibility. You can also do these stretches at your desk to relieve any work-related neck or back pain. Your chiropractor will guide you regarding the right exercises for your age and fitness level.

2. Cold or heat therapy

Cold therapy involves the application of ice to the affected area, while heat therapy is about applying a little heat to the area. This procedure helps in treating the symptoms associated with DDD.

Cold packs reduce the pain that a damaged disc causes and a heat pack can help increase blood flow to the affected area, thereby reducing inflammation that causes the pain.

3. Over-the-counter medication or prescription

Some over-the-counter medications can help alleviate the pain from DDD in patients who are hampered in carrying out their regular activities due to the pain. Because there may be side effects to medication, you should always ask your doctor before using them.

There are risks associated with the use of pain relievers, such as dependency. Be sure that you only use this option in the case of severe pain, and only for a limited period of time.

4. Surgery

Surgery can also be used to treat DDD. Depending on the severity of your condition, your doctor may recommend spinal fusion or disc replacement.

Surgery should be your last option, especially if other treatment options do not relieve you of the pain, or the pain gets worse after 6 months. It is always advisable to consult a chiropractor at the first instance of back pain that lasts for more than a few days. Timely chiropractic intervention and treatment may prevent DDD progress and restore the strength and agility of your back muscles.

Conclusion

People with Degenerative Disc Disease rarely suffer from severe complications. However, you should see a chiropractor if you are suffering from any of the symptoms of DDD. At New Tampa Chiropractic and Injury Center, we have effective treatment protocols for all kinds of back pain issues. Visit our clinic for a consultation to identify the root cause of your back pain; Call 813-994-6111 to make an appointment.