Degenerative Disc Disease

Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) is not really a “disease”, but describes the changes that occur in your spinal discs as you age. (Web MD Backpain Health Center, 2006) These spinal discs, also called intervertebral discs, lie between the vertebrae in the spine. Each disc forms a type of joint that allows some movement of the vertebrae and also acts to help hold the vertebrae together. (Wikipedia Intervertebral Disc , 2008) The outer layer of the disc is a hard leathery type material called the annulus fibrosus, while the inside is a jelly-like substance and is called the nucleus pulposus. These discs act as shock absorbers in the spine by helping to keep the vertebrae separated. 

As people age, these discs begin to “dehydrate” or lose some of the jelly-like substance. The outer layer of the disc can weaken and even tear. Some people do not feel pain when these occur, but for some this can cause severe pain. With disc dehydration, there is a diminished ability to absorb the shock from daily activities—this is generally called degenerative disc disease. When there is a tear in the annulus fibrosus (outer layer of the disc) that allows the nucleus propulsus to protrude through, this is called disc herniation. (Wikipedia Intervertebral Disc , 2008)

DDD can lead to other conditions of the spine including osteoarthritis and spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal). (Web MD Backpain Health Center, 2006) This condition is seen more often in smokers, those who do heavy labor, and in those who are overweight. The cervical spine (neck) and lumbar spine (lower back) are the most common sites for degenerative disc disease.

The disorder is diagnosed by physical exam and radiologic imaging studies—such as X-ray, CT scan or MRI. The physician will determine which test you need.

Treatment for DDD is very individualized. Conservative treatment is usually tried first which can include ice or heat packs to the painful area (on 20 minutes, off 20 minutes) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (aspirin, ibuprofen {Advil or Motrin}, or naproxen {Aleve}. Physical therapy or a supervised exercise program may be suggested by the physician and can be quite helpful to some. Further treatments might become necessary depending on the severity of the pain and the results of the imaging studies. (Web MD Backpain Health Center, 2006)

To see a picture of the spinal discs go to the following webpage:
http://www.webmd.com/hw-popup/discs-of-the-spine

Bibliography

Web MD Backpain Health Center. (2006, August 9). Retrieved March 12, 2008, from Web MD: http://www.webmd.com/back-pain/tc/degenerative-disc-disease-topic-overview

Wikipedia Intervertebral Disc . (2008, February 26). Retrieved March 12, 2008, from Wikipedia The Free Encyclopedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intervertebral_disc