Overview
Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is a condition where the deterioration of one or more vertebral discs in the spinal column causes pain, weakness, and numbness. DDD is usually a result of the aging process, but it can also occur from a back injury and many other causes.
There are several pain-relieving treatment options that can be incorpated into your treatment plan. Read about the options below.
Learn more about DDD in the video below.
TREATMENT OPTIONS
Treatment options may include:
- Medications
- Changing positions (kneeling, reclining etc.)
- Corset or brace can offer support for the back
- Injections
- Muscle relaxers
- Occupational therapy
- Physical therapy
- Special exercises
- Steroids
- Surgery
- Weight loss
SYMPTOMS
Symptoms of Degenerative Disc Disease can include:
- Disc bulging
- Disc herniation
- Numbness
- Radiculopathy (nerve irritation)
- Sciatica
- Pain radiating down the leg
- Weakness
DIAGNOSIS / TESTS
Diagnostic tests include:
- Bone Scan
- Computed Tomography (CT) Scan
- Discography
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Scan
- Physical Tests
- X-ray
CAUSES
Causes & contributing factors of Degenerative Disc Disease may include:
- Aging
- Genetics
- Fluid loss in discs
- Malnutrition
- Obesity
- Physical trauma (e.g. falling)
- Repetitive movements
- Spinal disc tears and/or reduction in size
- Smoking and/or drug use
FACTS
- Disc degeneration (deterioration) makes the disc more susceptible to herniation (rupture).
- With age progression, water and protein content changes in the body’s cartilage resulting in weaker and thinner cartilage.
- DDD usually occurs in the neck’s cervical spine and/or the lower back’s lumbar spine.
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OUR OFFICE:
The Pain Experts of Arizona
3370 South Mercy Road
Suite 321
Gilbert, AZ 85297
Phone: 480-550-9393
Fax: 480-999-3375