Degenerative Disc Disease

Technically, this is not a disease but more of a physical condition that is predominantly seen in people of older age. It arises due to the natural changes that the spinal discs undergo in a human body. Being a natural phenomenon, almost everyone invariably passes through this condition with most people not even reporting any severe painful experiences. However, there have been instances where people with the same condition have reported severe pain even leading to a medical emergency.

Symptoms of Degenerative Disc Disease

Depending upon the place of degeneration, this pain could be experienced either in the neck region, arms, lower back, buttocks, or legs and could hamper everyday activities. The pain usually aggravates during certain body movements such as bending or reaching out for far away things. Severe conditions could even include significant lack of control over the bowel or bladder and may warrant immediate medical attention.

The primary function of the spinal discs is to act as a shock absorber for which they are surrounded by a special bodily fluid. With the passage of time, there is a drop in the level of this fluid surrounding the discs and they become thinner. This leads to an increased pressure on the them and leads to a slow but constant degeneration.

Diagnosis of Degenerative Disc Disease

The initial diagnosis of this condition is to have a thorough physical examination and a careful study of the subject’s medical history. Advanced diagnosis could include the use of special imaging test such as X-rays. In the preliminary analysis, the doctor usually checks for possible weakness or tenderness in the affected area. Some of the other symptoms also include persisting numbness or a tingling sensation in a particular region of the body.

Treatment for Degenerative Disc Disease

The treatment process includes a series of measures comprising of medicines and physical exercises. The medicines include the usage of cortisone injections and also drugs such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Physical simulation of the affected body part can be done by various means and could be as simple as using hot packs and therapeutic exercises or could be advanced involving the use of ultrasound or electrical stimulation.

Most of these measures are to provide a temporary relief from the pain. For permanent relief in many patients, however, performing surgery on the affected part becomes necessary. This involves measures to reduce the pressure on the nerves and the stabilization of the joints. This surgical procedure, though expensive, can provide permanent relief.