What is it?
- A degenerated disc is part of the normal aging of the spine.
- When a spinal disc degenerates, it loses its ability to function efficiently as part of the spinal joint, which in turn can lead to back pain and possibly pain that radiates through the extremities.
- Please note the disc involved may get worse but not necessarily the symptoms.
The spine
- The spine has 24 separate bones called the vertebrae and sit on top of each other.
- The spinal cord passes in the middle of the vertebrae and contains a lot of nerves that connects from parts of the body to your brain.
- Between each vertebrae there are a protective pads called discs which contain a fluid like substance, they help to cushion the vertebrae when one moves around.
Diagnosis Test
Patients with lumbar Degenerative Disc Disease will generally feel better lying in a reclining position (such as with legs propped up in a recliner), or lying down with a pillow under the knees, since these positions relieve stress on the lumbar disc space.
Cause
- Proteins contained within the disc space can cause a lot of inflammation, and as a general rule inflammation will cause pain.
- In the lumbar disc space, the low back pain can radiate into the hips. The associated pain can also travel down the back of the leg (Sciatica) and possibly into the foot and toes.
- In the cervical disc space, the neck pain may be local or may radiate into the arm, shoulder and possibly into the hand (a cervical radiculopathy).
- Outer rings of the intervertebral disc – degenerates and wears down, it is not as effective in resisting motion in the spine.
- Cartilaginous end plate erosion
- Disc space collapse
Symptoms
- Pain that is usually related to activity and will flare up at times but then return to a low-grade pain level, or the pain will go away entirely?
- Severe episodes of back or neck pain that will generally last from a few days to a few months before returning to the individual’s baseline level of chronic pain (long term pain)?
- Activities that involve bending, sitting, lifting, and twisting will usually make the pain worse?
- Walking, and even running, may actually feel better than prolonged sitting or standing?
- Feel better if they can change positions frequently?
Complications /Information to beware of/General tips:
Do not wait, phone for an ambulance if have or develop:
Please talk to your healthcare professional (i.e. Medical Doctor/Pharmacist) for further advice
Detailed Information
Please copy and paste any key words from the title: Degenerative Disc Disease in the following respective 'Medtick References and/or Sources' to find out more about the disease (this also may include diagnosis tests and generic medical treatments).
- NHS
Find information and advice on health conditions, symptoms, healthy living, medicines and how to get help (British National Health Service).
- Medscape
Latest medical news and expert commentary in your specialty as well as disease information.
- Pharmaceutical Journal
The Pharmaceutical Journal covers analysis, features, opinion, learning and careers articles, providing insight and knowledge about drugs, pharmacy practice, medicines use and healthcare policy in the context of the pharmacy profession and pharmaceutical science.
- Healthline
Medical Information and health advice you can trust
- ChatGPT
Get instant answers, find creative inspiration, and learn something new.
- Medical News Today
Medical news and health news headlines posted throughout the day, every day.
- WebMD
Better Information. Better Health.
- Cleveland Clinic
Pushing the Standards of care.
- Mayo Clinic
No.1 Hospital in the Nation (America)
- Drugs.com
Know more. Be sure.
- National Organisation of Rare Diseases
NORD is dedicated to supporting education, elevating care, advancing research, and driving policy for rare diseases.
- Verywell Health
Know more. Fell better.
- Fit for Travel
Information on how to stay safe and healthy abroad.
- DR Axe
Health and fitness news. Recipes, Natural Remedies
Diet, Exercise and Body Manipulations
