A healthy intervertebral disc has a great deal of water in the center portion of the disc (nucleus pulposus) which gives it a spongy quality and the ability to absorb spinal stress. The disc also has an outer ring of tough ligament material (annulus) that holds the vertebrae together.
Some disc degeneration over time is normal, however excessive pressure or injury to the disc can lead to more damage, loss of water content and weaker ligament tissue.
Loss of water content causes the discs to lose some of their ability to act as cushions, and can result in the two vertebrae above and below to move closer to one another. Tears and resultant scar tissue within the annulus can weaken the ligament material. Problems thought to arise from such damage include
discogenic pain,
and bulging discs.
The most common early symptom of degenerative disc disease is usually pain in the back that spreads to the buttocks and upper thighs. When doctors refer to degenerative disc disease, they are usually referring to a combination of problems in the spine that "start" with damage to the disc, but eventually begin to affect all parts of the spine.
Conservative treatment is usually the first course of action for Degenerative Disc Disease, including rest, physical therapy and the use of mild pain medications. In cases where conservative treatments fail to bring relief however, patients have other options to consider including
Spinal Fusion
Surgery and now,
Artificial Disc Replacement.
