Degenerative Intervertebral Disc Disease
Degenerative Intervertebral Disc Disease
What it is
Degenerative disc disease is the progressive deterioration of the discs between the vertebrae in the spine. It starts from the spinal discs and affects all the anatomical structures of the spinal column (in its final stages). In other words, the spinal disc wears out and becomes unstable something that results in the development of arthritis and spinal stenosis.
The main characteristics of the disease are the hypertrophy of the articular processes (i.e. zygapophyseal or facet joints) and the protrusion of the spinal disc, making it dysfunctional and very unstable. This condition also contributes to the appearance of a herniated disc and, by extension, to the creation of bone spurs (osteophytes) and stiffness.
The progression of DDD is generally a slow process and it is getting worse as we age. Over time, anyway, the intervertebral discs lose their elasticity as well as their ability to absorb shocks. They also dehydrate and decrease in height. When the discs are stressed or injured and, at the same time, there is heredity then their stress can occur much earlier than usual. This is how osteoarthritis begins with the swelling of the hypertrophic ligaments that press on the neural elements.
Degenerative Disc Disease
Causes
The most important causes of the condition are heavy work and intense sports activities, which cause mechanical pressure and alterations in the composition of the disc nucleus.
Degenerative Disc Disease
Symptoms
The most common symptoms of the condition are:
1.
back pain
2.
neck pain
3.
pain, numbness, pins and needles and weakness in the shoulders or upper extremities
4.
pain, numbness and “tingling” in the lower extremities or buttocks
Degenerative Disc Disease
Conservative Treatment
Before choosing an invasive procedure, there are conservative methods of treatment that include resting the joints for a few 24 hours and using a hard mattress. It is important to emphasize that continuous rest can worsen pain and stiffness.
Anti-inflammatories and muscle relaxants also help, but their administration is for a specific period of time due to the side effects of the drugs. Physical therapy can provide relief for the period of time when the pain is intense.
Degenerative Disc Disease
Surgical Treatment
1.
Discography
The discography involves the injection of xylocaine and contrast agent in order to determine the cause of the back pain.
2.
Electrothermal Nucleoplasty
The application of electrothermal nucleoplasty is a technique that treats back pain resulting from intervertebral disc degeneration. After the procedure, the patient experiences less pain.
