Do you have a stiff back when you get out of bed in the morning? Sharp pain when you try to stand up? Do you feel a dull ache when you bend at the waist, or occasional “pins and needles” in your arms and legs?
For most of us, at some point, the answer to all of these questions will be “yes.” And, because these aches and pains tend to be so common, they seem “normal,” so you’re quick to dismiss them. And that’s where the trouble begins. These symptoms could be a sign of overtaxed muscles, an old mattress, or an uncomfortable couch… or the pain and weakness you feel could be symptoms of Degenerative Disc Disease, a common, but potentially debilitating spinal condition.
Why you shouldn’t ignore your symptoms
Because the back pain, stiffness, and weakness caused by Degenerative Disc Disease can vary so much in intensity, duration, and frequency, it can be tough to know if your symptoms are caused by this disease or other conditions that may heal on their own. With a degenerating disc, you may feel anything from sporadic irritation to chronic intense pain.
Do not dismiss these symptoms. They may be common, but they are not “normal.” See a doctor, so you can get a definitive diagnosis. It may just be a strained muscle, but, if it is a degenerative disease, the sooner you catch it the better your treatment options and prognosis will be. To understand why, let’s look at what Degenerative Disc Disease is, related symptoms, risk factors, and what we can do to help reduce or eliminate the pain.
Understanding the Causes and Symptoms of Degenerative Disc Disease
Each of your spinal vertebrae is separated and protected by fibrocartilaginous discs that act as shock absorbers for the spine and protect the spinal cord and nerve roots. Picture a jelly donut with a pliable, Kevlar-like outer shell (the annulus). This outer layer is filled with a fibrous, jelly-like material, the pulposus. Injury, as well as wear and tear over time, can damage the annulus, causing tiny tears that, even when healed, leave scar tissue that weakens the structure and resiliency of the annulus.
These tears allow t[3] he fluid in the disc to leak out, weakening the disc and sometimes leading to disc collapse. When this happens, it puts pressure on spinal nerves, leading to pain, weakness, and other symptoms. These symptoms can lead to severe, chronic pain. The process often follows this pattern:
● Time and use or injury tears small holes in the disc wall
● Scarring leads to weakening of the disc wall
● Weakening leads to further tearing
● Poorly healed tears allow fluid and pulposus to leak out of the annulus
● The disc collapses, causing the vertebrae to slide closer together
● Pressure on spinal nerves cause pain and numbness
● Cartilage between the disc and the vertebrae begins to erode, hindering the flow of oxygen and nutrients to and from the disc
● Vertebrae may twist and scrape, leading to further damage
● Bone spurs develop, causing additional pain
● Pressure on spinal nerves and nerve roots leads to radiating pain and numbness in the extremities
This process can also lead to additional spine-related conditions, including Osteoarthritis, Herniated Disc Disease, or Spinal Stenosis, which can lead to chronic, debilitating pain and weakness. Each of these conditions can be progressive, meaning they may get worse over time, which is why early detection and treatment is your best option.
Initial indicators of disc degeneration include lower back pain, as well as sharp pain in the hips, buttocks, neck, and shoulders. One of the most common indicators of Degenerative Disc Disease is a continual ache near the disc, punctuated by sharp, sporadic pains. This pain may decrease when you’re walking, moving, or lying down.
These symptoms can lead to other types of pain including chronic, disabling pain or numbness in the back and extremities. These symptoms may increase in intensity when sitting, or when you bend, twist, or lift heavy objects. You may feel your back “give out,” as if it cannot support your weight.
Tips to Reduce Your Risk of Developing Degenerative Disc Disease
While the symptoms related to Degenerative Disc Disease may vary in intensity, frequency, and duration, there are several factors which may increase your risk.
● Lack of regular stretching or exercise weakens your muscles, increasing the load on your vertebrae and spinal discs
● Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption contributes to medical issues that increase your risk
● Obesity and lack of regular exercise also contribute to the onset and progression of the condition
Making a few, better lifestyle choices will not only improve your health but also significantly decrease your risk of developing a degenerative disc or causing the condition to progress.
Staying well hydrated is one of the best ways to protect your spine from disc degeneration. When you don’t get enough water, your cartilage becomes drier and spinal discs shrink, so drink plenty of water to make sure your body has enough to keep your discs in good working order.
If you are overweight, losing just a few pounds and maintaining a healthy weight can dramatically increase your health and decrease your risk of spinal degeneration.
If you are physically able, daily stretching and low-impact, aerobic exercise are essential to maintaining joint and spine health, especially long-term. Stand up, stretch, and walk around several times a day, and, if you are physically able, exercise for up to 30 minutes every day. You may also consider investing in ergonomic furniture that is designed to support good posture.
Diagnosing Degenerative Disc Disease
To properly diagnose Degenerative Disc Disease, Dr. Skaliy will discuss your medical history and conduct a thorough physical examination. In addition to testing for tenderness, pain, and responsiveness, he will ask you about the location, nature and duration of your symptoms, as well as your sleep habits, exercise regimen, and daily activity level.
During your visit, be prepared to answer questions about how and when your symptoms increase or decrease. If this process is inconclusive, Dr. Skaliy may recommend medical imaging diagnostics including X-rays, MRI, or a CT scan.
Relieving the Symptoms of Degenerative Disc Disease
Because our goal is to help you achieve the quality of life you want using safe and non-destructive procedures, Dr. Skaliy recommends treatments that are focused on regeneration and solutions, rather than destructive options that offer short-term relief with significant risk.
If you are experiencing occasional or infrequent pain, and it’s safe for you to take them, try over-the-counter pain relievers or inflammation reducers. However, if these options are not working, Dr. Skaliy may recommend physical therapy, or an Epidural Steroid Injection.
For severe, chronic, or debilitative back pain, some doctors may recommend spinal surgery. There are several different procedures, unique in scope and intent, however all spine surgeries come with significant risks, including: pain, infection, significant downtime, and permanent lifestyle changes.
When they learn about these risks, some people put off treatment altogether. In these cases, disc degeneration could continue, increasing symptoms and decreasing quality of life. Fortunately, there are better alternatives.
Treating the Cause of Degenerative Disc Disease Without Surgery
To truly relieve the pain and pressure caused by Degenerative Disc Disease, you need to treat the root cause of the condition by repairing the annulus (outer layer) of the disc. Spinal fusion surgery does not do this, which is one of several reasons why fusion surgery can lead to continued degeneration and herniation in other spinal discs.
Thanks to modern advances in medical science, we can offer innovative, proven, non-surgical solutions for the root cause of Degenerative Disc Disease. This treatment not only relieves the pain, but has the potential to repair the damaged cells of the annulus, while enhancing your body's ability to create new, healthy cells.
To learn more about these incredible, non-surgical treatments can not only relieve your back pain but also repair the cause of the symptoms, click here to schedule an appointment with Dr. Skaliy today.