What is Degenerative Disc Disease?
Spinal discs are tough, rubbery pads that act as shock absorbers between your vertebrae. Degenerative disc disease develops when age-related wear-and-tear causes changes to spinal discs that result in pain. Despite its name, it's not actually a disease but a natural part of aging that affects some people more than others.
Causes
Several factors contribute to disc degeneration:
- Disc dehydration: Spinal discs naturally lose water content over time, reducing their shock-absorption capacity and making them thinner
- Sports and repetitive activities: Heavy lifting and athletic activities can cause tears in the disc's outer layer
- Injuries: Trauma causes swelling and instability; since discs have minimal blood supply, they cannot repair themselves effectively
- Genetics: Some people are more prone to disc degeneration
Symptoms
Symptoms of degenerative disc disease can vary widely:
- Pain that worsens when sitting, bending, lifting, or twisting
- Intermittent severe back or neck pain lasting days to months
- Numbness or tingling in the arms or legs
- Pain that may feel better when walking, running, or changing positions
- Periods of severe pain that come and go
Diagnosis
Dr. Lee will conduct a thorough evaluation including:
- Complete medical history review
- Physical examination
- MRI scans to visualize disc damage and identify affected levels
- X-rays to assess bone structure and alignment
Treatment Options
Conservative Treatment
Most patients find relief with non-surgical approaches:
- Physical therapy to strengthen supporting muscles
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Hot and cold therapy
- Activity modification
- Epidural steroid injections
Surgical Treatment
When conservative methods don't provide adequate relief, surgical options include:
- Artificial disc replacement: Replaces the damaged disc with an artificial implant while preserving motion
- Spinal fusion: Joins two or more vertebrae together to eliminate painful motion
Dr. Lee emphasizes patient education and collaborative decision-making when considering surgical options.
