Degenerative disc disease

Definition

Degenerative disc disease is not actually a disease but a term used to describe the normal changes in your spinal discs as you age. Spinal discs are soft, compressible discs that separate the interlocking bones also known as vertebrae that make up the spine. The discs act as shock absorbers for the spine, allowing it to flex, bend, and twist. Degenerative disc disease can take place throughout the spine, but it most often occurs in the discs in the lower back lumbar region and the neck cervical region.
  • The changes in the discs can result in back or neck pain and/or:
  • Osteoarthritis, the breakdown of the tissue cartilage that protects and cushions joints.
  • Herniated disc, an abnormal bulge or a breaking open of a spinal disc.
  • Spinal stenosis, the narrowing of the spinal canal, the open space in the spine that holds the spinal cord.
These conditions may put pressure on the spinal cord and nerves, leading to pain and possibly affecting nerve function.

Epidemiology

Degenerative disc disease is fairly common and it is estimated that at least 30% of people aged 30-50 years old will have some degree of disc space degeneration, although not all will have pain or ever receive a formal diagnosis. The pain is frequently caused by simple wear and tear as part of the general aging process. It can also be as a result of a twisting injury to the lower back.

Types

Degenerative disc disease is a condition characterized by damage to the intervertebral discs that can result in pain and stiffness.
There are three different types of degenerative disc disease, which influence the symptoms a patient may experience. Pain will typically spread to the neck, shoulders, arms, hands, legs, and/or feet.

Cervical Degenerative Disc Disease

  • Cervical degenerative disc disease is the second most common type of degenerative disc disease and will manifest anywhere along the cervical spine. The cervical spine consists of 7 vertebral bones; C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, and C7.
  • Patients with cervical disc degeneration may experience pain that flares up from time to time. Patients may also suffer from a stiff neck and altered nerve sensations in the neck and between the shoulder blades. Disc degeneration in the neck may lead to a disc herniation and other spinal conditions that can put pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots.

Lumbar Degenerative Disc Disease

  • Lumbar degenerative disc disease is the most common type of degenerative disc disease. Disc degeneration will appear in the lumbar spine; the L1, L2, L3, L4, and L5. Lumbar degenerative discs are common because the lower back region carries the bulk of your weight and endures a lot of stress and strain every single day.
  • Lower back pain is common with lumbar disc degeneration. The condition is also likely to cause altered nerve sensations, such as numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness, in the lower back. Radiating pain into the buttocks, legs, and feet may also appear as symptoms.
One of the most common causes of sciatica, pressure on the sciatic nerve that causes radiating pain, is lumbar degenerative disc disease.

Thoracic Degenerative Disc Disease

  • Thoracic degenerative disc disease is the degeneration of the thoracic spine, which consists of 12 thoracic vertebrae numbered T1 to T12. Disc degeneration in the thoracic spine, or mid-back at the level of the ribcage, is rare. However, when it does occur, back pain is often located around the site of the degenerated disc.
  • Degenerative disc disease can occur anywhere along the spine and in more than one location. The degeneration of one disc can negatively affect others causing them to also be more susceptible to weakening.
  • Disc degeneration cannot be reversed, but with conservative treatments, a patient may be able to find pain relief. When conservative treatments, such as physical therapy and medications, fail, surgical procedures may be recommended.

Risk factors

Age is the biggest risk factor, but some other factors can speed up the process of degeneration.
These include:
  • Obesity
  • Strenuous physical work
  • Tobacco smoking
  • An acute or sudden injury, such as a fall
Degenerative disc pain can start when a major or minor injury leads to sudden and unexpected back pain, or it can present as a slight back pain that gets worse over time.

Causes

There is one prominent cause of degenerative disc disease, and that is the natural effects of aging on the intervertebral discs in the spine. However, certain medical factors can exacerbate and intensify degenerative disc disease, including:
  • Smoking
  • Lack of exercise
  • Obesity or carrying excess weight
  • Improperly lifting heavy objects
  • Making repetitive, strenuous movements
  • A sudden, serious injury, such as one that may result from a fall, car accident or high-impact sport
Osteoporosis, herniated discs, spinal stenosis and other spinal complications can surface as a result of degenerative disc disease. If you believe you may be at risk for degenerative disc disease, speak with your doctor about how to maintain long-term spinal health. By practicing proper precautions and making certain lifestyle changes, you can reduce your risk of contracting premature spine-related difficulties while proactively warding off issues later in life.

Symptoms

Symptoms are most commonly concentrated in the low back or neck, depending on where the degenerated discs are. Common symptoms include:
  • Pain that ranges from nagging to severe and disabling
  • Pain that affects the low back, buttocks, and thighs
  • Pain in the neck that may radiate to the arms and hands
  • Pain that is worse when sitting
  • Pain that gets worse when bending, lifting or twisting
  • Pain that lessens when walking and moving
  • Pain that lessens with changing positions often or lying down
  • Periods of severe pain that come and go, lasting from a few days to a few months
  • Numbness and tingling in the extremities
  • Weakness in the leg muscles or foot drop may be a sign that there is damage to the nerve root

Complications

Certain complications of degenerative disc disease require immediate medical attention. These include pain that continues to worsen (especially over a short period of time),
  • Loss of bladder or bowel control,
  • Disabling pain,
  • Numbness,
  • Pain,
  • Tingling, or weakness in one or both legs.
However, it is rare that this condition leads to conditions that are more serious.

Diagnosis and test

Degenerative disc disease is diagnosed with a medical history and physical exam. Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, injuries or illnesses, any previous treatment, and habits and activities that may be causing pain in the neck, arms, back, buttock, or leg.
If a patient presents with symptoms associated with degenerative disc disease, the surgeon may order the following tests:
  • X-rays – although X-rays cannot show soft tissue like discs, they provide details of the bone structures in the spine.
  • Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging – this type of scan provides a detailed image of discs, allowing surgeons to see how the nerves and spinal canal space are affected by degenerative disc disease.
  • Computed tomography (CT) scan – provides a detailed image of bone structures in the spine and is a great option for those patients who cannot undergo MR scans (for example, those who have a pacemaker or who have specific types of metallic implants)

Treatment and medications

All doctors agree that getting the back pain under control – no matter the source – requires exercise to increase the strength and flexibility of muscles that surround and support the spine. Exercising increases blood flow to the back, which nourishes joints and muscles with oxygen and nutrients while clearing away destructive inflammatory waste products.
Treatment options to go along with physical activity and exercises to increase back strength include:
  • Physical therapy
  • Medications: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen, naproxen sodium), pain relievers (acetaminophen)
  • Surgery: artificial disc replacement, spinal fusion
  • Heat and cold therapy
  • Spinal mobilization

Prevention

While you cannot control the natural aging process of the spine, there are certain lifestyle choices you can make that can improve your overall spine health and reduce your risk of developing a degenerative spine condition. These lifestyle habits include:
  • Maintain a healthy weight to reduce unnecessary pressure on the spine.
  • Limit alcohol and tobacco use because it decreases circulation to the discs and causes dehydration. Additionally, constant alcohol consumption can lead to weight gain and inactivity.
  • Reduce high-impact sports like football and other contact sports that cause the spine to rapidly bend and snap.
  • Exercise regularly to strengthen the core muscles around the spine so they can help support the body’s weight and movement.

Comments

  1. What a great and inspiring story! I was married for seven years without any child, because of this my husband start acting strange, coming home lately and not spending time with me any more and he divorced me. So i became very sad and lost in life because my doctor told me there is no way for me to get pregnant this really make life miserable for me. until i came across a friend who told me about DR ODION from the Internet, how he has helped a lot of women with this similar problems that i am going through so i contacted him on: (drodion60@yandex.com) and explained to him. he told me all what to provide before he could cast a reunite spell to bring back my husband which i did and he sent a powerful prayer which i had to say at mid night while he cast the love spell. It was a miracle, 24 hours later my one and only husband came back to me and apologize for all he has done and told me he is fully ready to support me in any thing i want,i quickly call DR ODION and told him what was going on at that moment and he also prepared and sent me a herbal medicine which he said it will cure every unwanted diseases or infections that has been stopping me from conceiving then instructed me on how to use it before meeting with my husband. Behold after using this native herbs and root, few weeks later i started feeling pregnancy signs all over me, truly i was pregnant i just gave birth to a baby boy on the 1st of this month. I Vow to let the whole world know about DR ODION for saving my relationship and for also giving me children i can proudly call my own today. For any woman who think it impossible, here is an opportunity for you to smile and bring happiness to your family kindly contact DR ODION via Email on: (drodion60@yandex.com).  or WhatsApp him via +2349060503921 Indeed, he is a God sent to bring back lost lovers and bring you happiness

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. how i got my Ex lover back after a divorced by the help of DR NCUBE a marriage/relationship specialist. contact him if you need help WHATSAPP DR NCUBE ON +2348155227532
      his email is..... drncube03@gmail.com


      he also have #herbs for
      #hiv/aids
      #cancerdisease
      #fibroid
      #diabete

      Delete
  2. Hello everyone i Am williams pater and i am from USA i am here to give my testimony about an herbal doctor called Dr,olu I was heartbroken because i had very small penis,not nice to satisfy a woman, i have been in so many relationship, but cut off because of my situation, i have used so many product which doctors prescribe for me, but could not offer me the help i searched for. i saw some few comments on the internet about this specialist called Dr,OLU and decided to email him on his email i saw on the internet,(drolusolutionhome@gmail.com ) so I decided to give his herbal product a try. i emailed him and he got back to me, he gave me some comforting words with his herbal product for Penis Enlargement, Within three weeks of me use it, i began to feel the enlargement, " and now it just 4 weeks of using his products my penis is about 8 inches longer, and i had to settle thing out with my ex girlfriend , i was surprised when she said that she is satisfied with my performance in bed and i now have a large penis.thanks to DR OLU for is herbal product. you can also reach him with emsil drolusolutionhome@gmail.com though is..number WHATASPP him today on this number [ +2348140654426 ]






    Hello everyone i Am williams pater and i am from USA i am here to give my testimony about an herbal doctor called Dr,olu I was heartbroken because i had very small penis,not nice to satisfy a woman, i have been in so many relationship, but cut off because of my situation, i have used so many product which doctors prescribe for me, but could not offer me the help i searched for. i saw some few comments on the internet about this specialist called Dr,OLU and decided to email him on his email i saw on the internet,(drolusolutionhome@gmail.com ) so I decided to give his herbal product a try. i emailed him and he got back to me, he gave me some comforting words with his herbal product for Penis Enlargement, Within three weeks of me use it, i began to feel the enlargement, " and now it just 4 weeks of using his products my penis is about 8 inches longer, and i had to settle thing out with my ex girlfriend , i was surprised when she said that she is satisfied with my performance in bed and i now have a large penis.thanks to DR OLU for is herbal product. you can also reach him with emsil drolusolutionhome@gmail.com though is..number WHATASPP him today on this number [ +2348140654426 ]

    ReplyDelete
  3. I thought the physicians said there is no pills or another way for PENIS ENLARGEMENT !!! I am telling you today that Dr Aziba has the product for PENIS ENLARGEMENT and some other diseases and virus with his herbal medicine and once you get cured you are cured forever it is never reversible. My name is KELVIN and I'm from Kentucky USA, I have been suffering with lost of depression for not been able to perform as a man in my home ever since i got married all hope were lost because my doctor says there is no other way i can ENLARGE my PENIS. Brethren I saw a testimony on the internet on how Dr Aziba sent his herbal product to HERBERT WILSON and within the period of 7 days his PENIS began to grow and till now there no side effect recorded,I know this will be helpful to some individuals and broken home, i will drop down Dr Aziba contacts below and in case you have any other health problems like HIV,HPV ALS,DIABETIES, HEPATITIS or Relationship breakup etc..Should get in contact with DR AZIBA direct Email and WhatsApp Contacts.
    Contact Email: Priestazibasolutioncenter@gmail.com
    Contact him via_Watsapp +2348100368288
    God bless your home.





    I thought the physicians said there is no pills or another way for PENIS ENLARGEMENT !!! I am telling you today that Dr Aziba has the product for PENIS ENLARGEMENT and some other diseases and virus with his herbal medicine and once you get cured you are cured forever it is never reversible. My name is KELVIN and I'm from Kentucky USA, I have been suffering with lost of depression for not been able to perform as a man in my home ever since i got married all hope were lost because my doctor says there is no other way i can ENLARGE my PENIS. Brethren I saw a testimony on the internet on how Dr Aziba sent his herbal product to HERBERT WILSON and within the period of 7 days his PENIS began to grow and till now there no side effect recorded,I know this will be helpful to some individuals and broken home, i will drop down Dr Aziba contacts below and in case you have any other health problems like HIV,HPV ALS,DIABETIES, HEPATITIS or Relationship breakup etc..Should get in contact with DR AZIBA direct Email and WhatsApp Contacts.
    Contact Email: Priestazibasolutioncenter@gmail.com
    Contact him via_Watsapp +2348100368288
    God bless your home.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Do you still Struggle with Cold Sores, unexpected Outbreak and Herpes Virus? then you don't have to keep waiting for treatment when the is a herbal medicine that cure this virus. I was searching online for Herbal Cure for Herpes Virus when I saw a testimony online about Dr. Akintunde and how he cured a lady of HSV1 with his.
    natural herbal medicine and tested Negative and in less than a month she was cured of this virus. So it took me time to believe that this was true, because my family Doctor tried all his best to get rid of this virus in my body system but yet no cure and I suffered from outbreak and Cold Sores always. I had to contact Dr. Akintunde after I have access his website and i had faith in God that I was going to be fine and free of this virus one day. Finally I contacted Dr. Akintunde on his WhatsApp number that I saw on the testimony post online, and after our conversation the Doctor only promise me that I was going to be cured and free of this virus after taking his natural herbal medicine because I was tired of my situation with this virus it was so distracting to my life and whole family. Later Dr. Akintunde send some Herbal medicine to me through UPS courier service, with instructions on how to used this medicine, to my biggest surprise first week of taking my herbal medication I saw great improvement and I still think that it's a dream but this is real, I now test Negative of this virus today and my blood pressure well regulated now, my family doctor after my test was extremely surprise to see my test result change to HSV1 Negative and no more symptoms, cold sores, sores throat and outbreak again. I wish to tell everyone about this, mostly if you have this virus then do yourself good to contact Dr. Akintunde and see what the Lord can do through this Herbal Doctor's medicine in less than a month. 100% free from herpes Virus. I and my family say "thank you" Sir, for helping my life. You are a blessing to this generation and God will reward you richly

    Email: drakintundehomecare@gmail.com

    WhatsApp number: +234 703 524 5593

    ReplyDelete
  5. Do you still Struggle with Cold Sores, unexpected Outbreak and Herpes Virus? then you don't have to keep waiting for treatment when the is a herbal medicine that cure this virus. I was searching online for Herbal Cure for Herpes Virus when I saw a testimony online about Dr. Akintunde and how he cured a lady of HSV1 with his.
    natural herbal medicine and tested Negative and in less than a month she was cured of this virus. So it took me time to believe that this was true, because my family Doctor tried all his best to get rid of this virus in my body system but yet no cure and I suffered from outbreak and Cold Sores always. I had to contact Dr. Akintunde after I have access his website and i had faith in God that I was going to be fine and free of this virus one day. Finally I contacted Dr. Akintunde on his WhatsApp number that I saw on the testimony post online, and after our conversation the Doctor only promise me that I was going to be cured and free of this virus after taking his natural herbal medicine because I was tired of my situation with this virus it was so distracting to my life and whole family. Later Dr. Akintunde send some Herbal medicine to me through UPS courier service, with instructions on how to used this medicine, to my biggest surprise first week of taking my herbal medication I saw great improvement and I still think that it's a dream but this is real, I now test Negative of this virus today and my blood pressure well regulated now, my family doctor after my test was extremely surprise to see my test result change to HSV1 Negative and no more symptoms, cold sores, sores throat and outbreak again. I wish to tell everyone about this, mostly if you have this virus then do yourself good to contact Dr. Akintunde and see what the Lord can do through this Herbal Doctor's medicine in less than a month. 100% free from herpes Virus. I and my family say "thank you" Sir, for helping my life. You are a blessing to this generation and God will reward you richly

    Email: drakintundehomecare@gmail.com

    WhatsApp number: +234 703 524 5593

    ReplyDelete
  6. My Name is Dr AZIBA, Herbal Remedy Product is 100% guarantee for Penis Enlargement growth and Thickness you can Contact Me via Email Priestazibasolutioncenter@gmail.com For Best natural male enhancement Product with 100% guaranteed results. I prepare top Herbal selling male enhancement product with herbal formula and no side-effects, MY WhatsApp Number is +2348100368288

    ReplyDelete
  7. Doc, Chukwu Madu herbal home. You are so great sir, I am cured from HIV/AIDS Virus through the help of your mighty herbs. It happened as you said, you never let me down sir I was tested HIV/aids Negative 5 days ago right here in my Country same hospital that tested me positive some months ago. I didn't accept at the first time you saved me from death Sir DR CHUKWU MADU HERBAL HOME, with your herbs.Thank you so much sir. If you are going through any of this virus or infection reach this great herbalist on his personal email:[ dr.chukwumaduherbalhome@gmail.com ] or WhatsApp him via +2347030936239.
    He will save you.

    ReplyDelete
  8. I live in United States, help me thank DR. afrid who helped cured me from HERPES SIMPLEX in just one (1) week. I got to know him from a friend who he helped, at first I doubt if his herbal
    product would work until my friend put her car at stake that if it doesn’t work she would give me her car. After which I decided to try, to God be the glory am now a living testimony, all thanks to DR. covenant, if not for him I would
    not have been healed so easily.. You can reach him via drafridherbalhome11@gmail.com or call/  at +2349056393547, you can also contact him on cure on……
    1. GONORREA
    2. SYPHILIS
    3. ASTHMA
    4. STROKE
    5. DIABETES MELLITUS
    6. SIMPLEX HERPES
    7. RINGING EAR
    8.LOW SPERM COUNT
    9.SICKLE CELL
    10.HIV/AIDS
    11.CANCER

    ReplyDelete
  9. HERPES is a serious and recurring disease which can't be cure through drugs or injections by an American doctors but the best way to deal with Herpes is by taking natural herbs medicine for it, I have red about DR JAMES the great herbalist doctor who cured me from herpes with his powerful herbal medicine. I contacted him to know how he can help me and he told me never to worry that he will help me with the natural herbs!After 2 days of contacting him, he told me that the cure has been ready and he sent it to me via UPS SPEED POST and it got to me after 4 days i used the medicine as he instructed me (MORNING and EVENING) and i was cured!it's really like a dream but I am so happy! for the people suffering from herpes and other diseases like Yeast infections, Rectum effects, intestine damage, bowel obstruction, Ovarian disease, Cancer, hypothyroidism, Herpes, COPD, HIV, Arthritis, Lyme disease,Hpv, Infections,Liver Disease, Autoimmune Diseases, Parkinson's disease,Lupus,Nephrology and Hypertension, Neurology, Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women's Health, Oncology, Pediatrics, Pulmonary, ACUTE MYELOFIBROSIS, ALZHEIMER's symptoms, BREAST CANCER, DIABETES, HAIR LOSS AND HAIR TREATMENT, KIDNEY DISEASES, LEUKEMIA, MYELOID LEUKEMIA, STEM CELL TREATMENT
    should contact him for his herbal medicine because i am a living testimony and i was cured of herpes and his medicine is legit. I sent him what he requested and he sent me his medicine which I took for 2 good weeks and today I am out here with a negative result. When I went for the test I was so happy after taking his herbal medication I paid homage to his country to celebrate with him on his African festival which he told me it usually happens every year. you can reach him through VIA E-mail drjamesherbalmix@gmail.com or whatsapp number:+2348152855846

    ReplyDelete
  10. Hi!!
    I want to especially thank Dr. Godsent Yare for helping me get cured of the Genital Herpes Virus. I was diagnosed last 2 summers and my doctor said no cure for the virus. I was in big trouble until I saw this sincere sounding YouTube post-https://youtu.be/Uw-l6rfcOl4 online testifying about Dr. Godsent Yare, How he cured A lady with ALS/MND disease using his herbal healing cure. I contacted him based on the good testimonies I was seeing about him on the internet, how he cured so many people from different diseases and Viruses with his roots, herbs, and healing oil. I placed an order and received medicines after 4 working days and commerce treatment as instructed, now I'm happily sharing my own testimony to the world that I'm cured. If you need help to cure HSV1-2 or any other disease or virus, contact him today on his email; dryareherbalcurehome@gmail.com Or Call/Whatsapp his number on +2348164653711, +2348148010628. I hope that everyone reading this post should share and refer to others who need help to cures to Dr. Yare's website; http://bit.ly/2dBFYeW for additional information. When people know better, they do better! You will be glad you did.

    Covid-19 Pandemic is real, stay home stay safe.

    ReplyDelete
  11. get your ex back with a love spell that works fast.
    Dr.Jumba has helped thousands of women get their Ex boyfriends back using his real effective love Spell. After my boyfriend of one year broke up with me, I could barely speak without crying. I felt blindsided and didn't know what to do. I didn't know if I could get him back and the anxiety was unbearable. I needed him back desperately because I loved him so much. So I contacted this great spell caster for help. He helped me cast a return love spell on him and just within 11 hours my boyfriend came back to me crying and begging for my forgiveness. Dr. Jumba released him to know how much I loved and wanted him. And He also opened his eyes to picture how much love we have shared together. As I am writing this testimony right now I am the happiest woman on earth. I want to recommend this great spell caster to anyone that truly needs an urgent solution to a love break up. Email him at wiccalovespelltools@yahoo.com or wiccalovespelltools@gmail.com or Call/WhatsApp him: +19085174108 "I'm so grateful and can say that if you have been broken up with and want to get that person back, Dr.Jumba is the best! I'll never forget how much he helped me
    WEBSITE : drjumbaspellhome.wordpress.com , blog : https://wiccaspelltools.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  12. Your website is very beautiful or Articles. I love it thank you for sharing for everyone. Hospital Software Programs

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

HOW TO USE CONDOM

ASCITES

TOP 10 LABORATORY INTERVIEW QUESTIONS WITH ANSWERS