Degenerative Disc Disease

Contrary to its name, degenerative disc disease is not a “disease” at all. It is rather a term used to describe changes to the spinal discs caused by everyday wear and tear, or aging. Degeneration can also be caused or accelerated by spinal trauma or injury. This condition can occur anywhere along the spinal column, but most often will affect the lower back.

When a disc deteriorates, its ability to cushion the spin and absorb shock becomes compromised. Due to the fact that discs have a unique biology and a limited blood supply, when an injury occurs, the disc is not able to repair itself.

When one develops degenerative disc disease, the discs lose their height, lose their normal fluid content, dry out, and become stiff. Disc degeneration may also lead to bulging or herniation. Nerve impingement, joint and adjacent bone inflammation and varying degrees of pain can occur when disc height is lost

If a disc becomes damaged or torn, the jelly-like material in the center of the disk can leak out onto nearby nerves, causing pain and inflammation. Tiny tears in the disc can also cause irritation to the nerves in the annulus (the thick, fibrous ring that surrounds the disc).

Causes

Here are some of the factors that contribute to the development of degenerative disc disease:

Age

Discs naturally lose water with age, causing a reduction in the distance between the vertebrae. This collapse of the cushioning between spinal bones places stress on the annulus.

Injury

Repetitive or acute stress to the spine can damage the disc.

Symptoms

A dull ache to severe and incapacitating pain.
The location of the pain is dependent upon the region of the spine that’s affected.
For some patients, pain may be relieved by lying down.
A tingling, numbness, or weakness in the extremities.

Treatment

For mild pain, conservative treatment consisting of restricted activity or bed rest may be recommended. Physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and/or epidural steroid injections are often prescribed for the treatment of short-term moderate pain. If your condition causes considerable pain or disability, Dr. Stieber can explain the various surgical solutions that may be appropriate for your situation. Diagnostic tests may include a CT scan, MRI, myelogram, or discography.

Common Procedures

Although there is no guarantee that surgery will resolve the problem in every case, the majority of patients suffering from symptoms of degenerative disc disease can obtain substantial or complete relief from surgical intervention.

Minimally invasive interbody fusion (fusing the vertebrae above and below the disc space).
Artificial disc replacement discectomy to remove an intervertebral disc, or portions thereof.
Laminotomy or laminectomy to make more space and relieve pressure on nerve roots