Degenerated discs are a common back problem. The spinal discs, which are soft, gelatinous cushions that separate the vertebrae, wear down during the aging process. Because the discs function as between-the-bones shock absorbers, allowing the spine to bend and twist, this degeneration can result in serious back pain. As discs are damaged or wear away, the amount of space between the vertebrae gets smaller. As the space narrows, joints are placed under greater stress, resulting in further degeneration and Degenerative Disc Disease.
Risk Factors for Degenerated Discs
Although discs degenerate to a degree from normal aging, there are risk factors that increase the likelihood of symptomatic disc degeneration. They include the following:
- Repeated heavy lifting
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Bone spurs
An acute injury to the back also increases the potential for disc degeneration.
Symptoms of Degenerated Discs
Compression of the spinal nerves can cause symptoms that include tingling/numbness, muscle weakness, loss of balance/ coordination, and pain and stiffness. Back pain is often worse when sitting, lifting, bending or twisting, and walking or lying down typically helps alleviate the pain.
Diagnosis of Degenerated Discs
In order to diagnose a degenerated disc, a physician takes a medical history, and performs a comprehensive physical examination that includes checking for numbness or weakness, and testing reflexes to determine whether any muscles have atrophied. Several imaging examinations may also be administered; they include X-rays, to assess spine alignment; MRI scans, to observe any compression of the spinal cord; and CT scans, to evaluate the size of the spinal canal and visualize bone spurs. A myelogram, which uses contrast dye for improved visualization during X-rays or CT scans, may also be administered.
Complications of Degenerated Discs
Although a disc can degenerate anywhere along the 26 vertebrae of the spine, it happens most frequently in the lumbar region (lower back) or the cervical region (neck). In addition to pain, degenerated discs can result in complications that include the following:
- Osteoarthritis
- Herniation of a disc
- Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal)
- Bone spurs
Any of these complications can worsen the patient's condition.
Treatment of Degenerated Discs
At Michigan Integrative Health, we see many people with degenerated discs. Some have even been told that surgery was necessary. Our exam and evaluation will determine if you are a candidate for care, and will reveal the drugless, non-surgical options available to resolve or at least greatly reduce your suffering and potentially avoid surgery.
