Degenerative Disc Disease

What is Degenerative Disc Disease?

A disc comprises the outer annulus and the inner nucleus pulposus. Degenerative disc disease occurs when the cushioning in your spine begins to wear away with ageing. The rubbery cushion in your spine are otherwise known as spinal discs and acts as shock absorbers and help you move and bend comfortably. Spinal degeneration is a normal part of ageing though an injury to the disc can sometimes accelerate this process.

When the cushion in your spine wears away, the bones may start to rub together, leading to pain and other problems. 

What are the risk factors of Degenrative Disc Disease?

Degenerative Disc Disease is more common in older adults and there are other factors too that may increase your risk of developing the condition, such as:

• Acute injuries such as falling
• Working in a physically demanding job
• Obesity
• Gender, women are more likely to develop the condition
• Smoking

What are the symptoms of Degenerative Disc Disease?

Some of the symptoms include:

• Pain that comes and goes, each time lasting for weeks or months
• Pain that leads to numbness or tingling in your limbs
• Pain that radiates down your sides and lower back
• Pain that worsens when sitting or bending

How is Degenerative Disc Disease diagnosed?

Imaging tests are done with ultrasound or CT scan.  A discography may sometimes be used to determine the disc level that is causing the pain.