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By Patrick Foote

The most common site for the development of degenerative disc disease is the lower back, where the intervertebral discs are subjected to a great deal of stress produced by a wide range of movement, as well as the near-constant strain of supporting most of the weight of the upper body. The disc located between the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae (L4 and L5) is particularly vulnerable, because it serves as a focal point for most of the stress endured by the lower back over the years.

Defining Degenerative Disc Disease

What exactly is degenerative disc disease? To begin with, it is not actually a disease, but the age-related deterioration of the elements of the intervertebral discs, which are composed of two parts: a gel-like center (nucleus pulposus), and a fibrous outer wall (annulus fibrosus). As people age, discs lose water content and become brittle. This is part of the natural aging process, and can lead to the development of bulging discs, herniated discs, bone spurs, or vertebral slippage (spondylolisthesis). If one of these anatomical anomalies within the lower back comes into contact with the spinal cord, an adjacent nerve root, or the long sciatic nerve, it can produce localized pain, radiating pain, tingling, numbness, or muscle weakness, cramping, or spasms in the lower back, buttocks, legs, feet, or toes. These traveling symptoms are sometimes referred to as radiculopathy, and when present in the lower body, the symptoms are more commonly referred to as sciatica.

How to Manage Symptoms

The vast majority – more than 90 percent – of degenerative disc disease patients find that if they work closely with their doctors, they can develop an effective treatment plan consisting of conservative, nonsurgical methods. There is no cure for degenerative disc disease, any more than there is a cure for old age. But that doesn’t mean someone who develops the condition must resign themselves to a life of constant back discomfort, because contrary to what the name suggests, degenerative disc disease is not a condition that gets progressively worse in one’s senior years, and symptoms can be eased through the correct treatment regimen. In addition to over-the-counter or prescription medication, a conservative treatment plan to mitigate symptoms of nerve compression might include:

— Exercise and stretching – strengthens the muscles, improves flexibility, and relieves pressure in the spinal column.

— Quitting smoking – improves blood circulation and ends the intake of toxins that encourage disc deterioration.

— Losing weight – reduces the amount of stress on the muscles of the back or neck and on the discs and vertebrae.

— Ergonomic awareness – relieves pressure from back and neck muscles by promoting proper lifting techniques, sitting in posture-friendly furniture, wearing supportive footwear, and more.

— Brief periods of rest – helps inflammation to diminish.

— Behavior modification – avoids activity that can potentially exacerbate the symptoms.

— Alternative methods – including chiropractic adjustments and acupuncture.

When to Consider Surgery

No two patients respond exactly the same way to conservative treatments for degenerative disc disease in the lower back, which is why persistence and open communication with a doctor are so important. It may take several weeks to find the right combination of treatments, which may even include a series of corticosteroid injections to numb the pain. However, if chronic symptoms persist after several months of conservative treatment, it may be time to talk to a doctor about the risks and benefits of spine surgery.

About the Author: Patrick Foote is the Director of eBusiness at Laser Spine Institute, the leader in endoscopic spine surgery. Laser Spine Institute specializes in safe and effective outpatient procedures for

degenerative disc disease

and several other spinal conditions.

Source:

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