Degenerative disc disease is a spinal condition resulting from the cushioning between the intervertebral discs wearing down over time. The condition may occur due to various factors, such as old age, spinal injuries, or conditions like osteoarthritis. Understanding the symptoms of degenerative disc disorder, like inconsistent discomfort, allows you to seek medical intervention on time, preventing more complications like mobility loss. Here are three symptoms you might experience if you have this spinal problem:
Back and Neck Pain
As the nucleus pulposus (NP), the cushioning in the intervertebral discs naturally deteriorates over time; the spine begins to lose some of its cerebrospinal fluid. Because of progressive degeneration of the nucleus pulposus, the elasticity and strength of the discs gradually decline. The disc height also starts to decline, creating additional pressure on the nerves and joints in the spine. This extra pressure causes neck and back pain. When you have degenerative disc disease, osteophytes or bone spurs can start to grow in the neck and back as the body struggles to regain stability. The spurs also compress nerves in the back and neck, resulting in persistent pain.
Numbness and Tingling
When nucleus pulposus degeneration progresses, the spinal discs start to bulge out or become herniated. This minimizes the available disc space, resulting in the compression of the nerves in the spine. The compression alters how the spinal nerves transmit signals to the brain from other body parts. When bulged discs press spinal nerves for a long period, the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the nerves declines.
This can also impair the normal functioning of your spinal nerves, causing numbness. As disc cushioning breaks down, cytokines, which are inflammatory chemicals, are released, causing irritation of the spinal nerves. Cytokines can also cause the spinal nerve roots to become inflamed, increasing the risks of numbness. Tingling may occur in the abdomen, around the shoulders, legs, arms, and hands.
Lower Back Pain
As your intervertebral discs degenerate, the ligaments and muscles in parts like the buttocks are affected. These ligaments sustain additional strain, and the muscles experience spasms because of reduced disc height. Spinal nerve irritations caused by cytokines also tend to spread to the buttocks and legs, causing radiating pain. When you visit a pain management clinic, you may undergo screenings like computed tomography scans to help determine the involvement of the spinal nerves in your lower back pain.
Treatments for Degenerative Disc Disease
A pain management specialist can help develop comprehensive and tailored treatment plans to relieve symptoms and aid your recovery. The type of pain you experience, the severity of your condition, past treatments, and your tolerance to pain can determine what the specifics of your treatment are. If your condition isn’t as severe, your doctor may suggest medications or home treatments like gentle yoga. For severe degenerative disc disorders, the specialist can perform surgical treatments like radiofrequency ablations and epidural injections.
Visit a Pain Management Clinic Today
Degenerative disc disease causes body discomfort and pain that worsens with time or when you walk. By visiting a pain management clinic, you undergo thorough physical exams like X-rays and CT scans for better treatment. Schedule an appointment with a pain management specialist if you have neck, nerve, arm, or lower back pain, as they signify degenerative disc disorder.