Degenerative Disc Disease: What You Need to Know
Lacey One of the more unfortunate aspects of getting older is that your joints begin to wear out, oftentimes for no good reason. This wear and tear of the joints are not only common in the knees and the hips but also in the spine. The exact reason why the joints of the spine begin to wear out is not known and may be a combination of factors, such as weight, doing a lot of lifting over the years, or simply getting older.
One of the most common forms of this wear and tear in the spine is degenerative disc disease.
What is Degenerative disc disease?
Degenerative disc disease is a condition where one or more discs in your spine begin to break down. This breakdown can cause a lot of symptoms, such as back pain, pinched nerves, and Sciatica. In some cases, degenerative disc disease can even lead to disability.
Degenerative disc disease is a very serious condition that should not be taken lightly. If you are experiencing any symptoms of degenerative disc disease, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible so that you can get started on treatment and begin feeling better.
What are the Symptoms of Degenerative Disc Disease?
Degenerative disc disease can cause a wide variety of symptoms, depending on how severe the condition is and which discs in your spine are affected. Some common symptoms include:
Back Pain
This is by far the most common symptom of degenerative disc disease. The pain can range from mild to severe and may get worse with activities such as walking or standing.
Pinched Nerves
When the discs in your spine break down, they can put pressure on nearby nerves. This pressure can cause tingling, numbness, or weakness in your arms or legs.
Sciatica
This is a condition where you experience pain that radiates from your lower back all the way down your leg. This happens when a herniated disc presses on the Sciatic nerve, which runs from your lower back down your leg.
Disability
In severe cases of degenerative disc disease, you may eventually become disabled due to the pain and loss of function in your arms or legs.
These are just some of the more common symptoms associated with degenerative disc disease. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, we suggest speaking to a specialist.
Know Your Options For Treatment
Degenerative disc disease is a serious condition that can cause a wide variety of symptoms with pain and mobility issues lasting for weeks. If you think you may be suffering from degenerative disc disease, early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for managing this condition effectively. Make sure to discuss all your options for treatment as some methods can lead to surgery when physical therapy could have been a viable alternative.