| |
Degenerative
Disc Disease
Degeneration of the intervertebral disc,
which is often called "degenerative disc disease" (DDD)
of the spine, is a common disorder of the lower spine. Disc
degeneration can lead to disorders such as spinal stenosis
(narrowing of the spinal canal that houses the spinal cord
and nerve roots; can be lumbar or cervical), spondylolisthesis
(forward slippage of the disc and vertebra), and retrolisthesis
(backward slippage of the disc and vertebra). DDD is in fact
not a disease but, rather, a degenerative condition that
can be painful and can greatly affect the victim's quality
of life.
Disc degeneration is a normal part of aging and is generally
not a problem by itself. However, for certain individuals,
a degenerated disc can cause pain, such as when bone spurs
grow adjacent to the discs and pinch or put pressure on the
nearby nerve roots or spinal canal.
Causes
Aging is the most common cause of disc degeneration.
As the body ages, the discs in the spine dehydrate, or dry
out, and lose their ability to act as shock absorbers between
the vertebrae. The bones and ligaments that make up the spine
also become less flexible and thicken. Unlike muscles, there
is minimal blood supply to the discs so they lack the ability
to heal or repair themselves. Repetitive stress injury (RSI)
and/or several injuries over time that involve the same disc
can also increase the likelihood of disc degeneration as may
a poor body mass index. However, an active lifestyle that combines
regular light exercise and a good diet can help to repair or
prolong the life of the disc.
Symptoms
With symptomatic degenerative disc disease, chronic
low back pain sometimes radiates to the hips, or there is an aching
pain in the buttocks or thighs while walking; sporadic tingling
or weakness through the knees may also be evident. Similar pain
may be felt or may increase while sitting, bending, lifting, and
twisting. While the degeneration of the disc will likely progress
as a natural part of the aging process, symptoms such as low back
pain often decrease over time.
Understanding Disc
Pain
It is not clear why some degenerative discs
are painful and some are not. After an injury, some discs
become painful because of inflammation. Some people have
nerve endings that penetrate more deeply into the annulus
fibrosus, or outer layer of the disc, than others, making
the disc more susceptible to becoming a source of pain. Pain
that radiates down the leg, known as sciatica or lumbago,
is the result of the nerve root encountering the inner disc
material, or the nucleus pulposus, an inflammatory substance
that also puts pressure on the nerve. These conditions can
cause symptoms such as severe leg pain, difficulty standing
and walking, and weakness or numbness in the legs. Degenerative
disc disease can lead to a chronic debilitating condition
and can have a serious negative impact on a person's quality
of life. When pain from degenerative disc disease is severe,
traditional nonoperative treatment is often ineffective.
Our
Oak Ridge office is conveniently located to serve those from
Summerfield, Stokesdale, Walnut Cove, Walkertown, Madison,
Mayodan, Reidsville, Greensboro, Wentworth, Belews Creek,
Belews Lake, Scalesville, Colfax,
Friendship, Bonanza Hills and surrounding areas.
Site
Map
Salama Chiropractic Oak Ridge
Office
1692
Nc Highway 68 N Ste. E
Oak Ridge, North Carolina 27310
Phone: 336-644-6446
Fax: 336-644-6442
© 2010 Salama Chiropractic
Oak
Ridge, North
Carolina (NC) Chiropractors - Greensboro & Winston
Salem.
| |
