The term Degenerative Disc Disease is somewhat a misnomer as it is not actually a disease but is actually just the term associated with the structural degradation that occurs naturally in your spine as your age.
What are Degenerative Diseases?
Degenerative diseases of the spine fall under the categories of Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) or Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD). In the spine, this is typically due to age and genetics. The wearing down of the joints or discs causes loss in normal height of the bony segments in the back. This can cause excessive joint pressures, bone on bone rubbing and increased inflammation. Typically with DDD or DJD comes stiffening of the spinal joints and weakening of key spinal muscles.
What are the causes?
With age the spinal discs begin to degenerate and sometimes if it is extreme, the degradation may be considered Degenerative Disc Disease. Degenerative Disc Disease may cause a loss of fluid in your spinal discs which reduces their ability to absorb shock and impact. The thinner that the disc becomes the less room there is between each vertebrae causing pain and sometimes leading to other complications.
Typical treatment for Degenerative Disc Disease
There are many ways to combat the pain that comes with Degenerative Disc Disease including the use of ice or heat in combination with a type of acetaminophen like Tylenol, or an ibuprofen like Advil. However, if the pain does not subside with non-invasive treatments or you have any other health issues, then Degenerative Disc Disease may lead to other complications and may require surgery.
Prevention
Due to Degenerative Disc Disease being an effect of age it is not completely preventable. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and a light but consistent exercise schedule is the best way to combat the onset of symptoms. Also always make sure to be conscious of your abilities when playing any sport, and making sure that you are fit enough to be able to safely do all of the actions it requires.
Start your treatment plan at Partners in Physical Therapy Group today!
Are you ready to find relief again? If so, request an appointment with Partners in Physical Therapy Group today. We can help you beat your Degenerative Disc Disease so you can get back to living life comfortably!
