What causes degenerative disc disease?

The natural aging process typically causes disc degeneration, as your discs change over time. The severity of symptoms associated with disc degeneration does not necessarily continue to progress over time, however. All patient’s discs change differently, and a number of factors contribute to the nature of degenerative disc disease, causing its effects to be quite variable from patient to patient.

Degenerative disc disease typically results from years of strain, movement and pressure on the spine, not from one injury or motion. Disc degeneration may contribute to many instances of lower back pain.

What are the symptoms?

Not all patients experience symptoms related to disc degeneration. Some patients may experience radiating pain, weakness or numbness in specific areas, such as down the back of one leg.

Pain may also be noticeable only during or after episodes of activity, such as lifting, twisting or bending. This type of pain may flare up only during activity and get significantly better or go away completely after the activity is completed.

Chronic, disabling pain from degenerative disc disease is rare but not completely uncommon. Some patients may experience severe pain.

For some patients, sitting or standing in certain positions may exacerbate pain because of the increased load placed on discs. For example, a patient with degenerative discs in the lumbar region may experience significant pain while seated. Changing positions, such as lying or reclining, may help some patients who feel pain while seated.

Degenerative disc disease may also be characterized by a basic level of chronic, dull pain that increases to severe levels during short, intermittent periods.

How is it diagnosed?

A doctor will review the patient’s pain history and determine what activities or positions make the pain better or worse. To check for a degenerative disc, doctors assess the patient’s pain tolerance and movement. Evaluating muscle strength and tenderness in areas such as the neck, arm, or back is also common. An MRI can help confirm degenerative disc disease or rule out other possible causes of pain.

How is it treated?

Doctors typically treat most patients with degenerative disc disease conservatively. Patients usually respond well to non-surgical care options.. These steps include management of pain and inflammation through medication, behavioral changes and physical therapy. Some patients may also benefit from epidural injections.

Doctors can help patients avoid pain by determining which activities make disc problems worse. Then, they create a plan to reduce the risk of discomfort from those activities. Physicians may also counsel patients on ergonomic safeguards to reduce pain.

Use safe lifting techniques and better posture when sitting or standing to lessen strain on your spine. Physical therapy includes exercises to strengthen the back, stretch hamstrings, and use heat or ice for pain relief. For exercise examples, visit our physical therapy video library.

Patients with spine problems that don’t get better after six months of treatment should speak with their doctors. A surgical option could be a better long-term solution for relieved pain.

If you experience painful flare ups during activity or believe you are suffering from side effects of degenerative disc disease, click here to make an appointment. Our spine specialists are waiting to help at every Campbell Clinic location and urgent care.