Degenerative Disc Disease Spinal Surgeon North West Palm Beach County Port St. Lucie Ft Fort Pierce Vero Beach US Virgin Islands Jupiter Island Florida FL

Degenerative Disc Disease is not really a disease but a term used to refer to a condition in which pain is caused from a damaged disc. Spinal discs are soft, compressible discs that separate the interlocking bones (vertebrae) that make up the spine. The discs act as shock absorbers for the spine, allowing it to flex, bend, and twist. Degenerative disc disease can take place throughout the spine, but it most often occurs in the discs in the lower back (lumbar region) and the neck (cervical region).

Nearly everyone shows some signs of wear and tear on the spinal discs as they age. To a certain degree, this process happens to everyone. However, not everyone who has degenerative changes in their spine has pain. It is important to remember that everyone is different and not everyone will have symptoms described as degenerative disc disease. A wide range of symptoms and severity is associated with this

The changes in the discs can result in back or neck pain and/or:

Osteoarthritis, the breakdown of the tissue (cartilage) that protects and cushions the joints.
Herniated Disc in neck or back, an abnormal bulge or breaking open of a spinal disc.
Spinal Stenosis, the narrowing of the spinal canal, the open space in the spine that holds the spinal cord.

These conditions may put pressure on the spinal cord and nerves, leading to pain and possibly affecting nerve function.

What are the symptoms of Degenerative Disc Disease?

When degenerative disc disease becomes painful or symptomatic, it can cause several different symptoms due to the compression of the nerve roots. A herniated disc in the neck area may result in neck or arm pain, while an affected disc in the lower back may result in pain in the back, buttock, or leg. The pain often gets worse with movements such as bending over, reaching up, or twisting.

Depending on where your degenerative or herniated disc is located, it could cause

Back pain
Radiating leg pain
Neck pain
Radiating arm pain
Pain is usually worse with activity or prolonged sitting or standing

These symptoms are caused by the fact that worn out discs are a source of pain because they do not function as well as they once did, and as they shrink, the space available for the nerve roots also shrinks. As the discs between the intervertebral bodies start to wear out, the entire lumbar spine becomes less flexible. The result can be back pain and stiffness, especially towards the end of the day.

Causes and Risk Factors

Several factors can cause discs to degenerate, including age. Specific factors include:

The drying out of the disc. When we are born, the disc is about 80% water. As we age, the disc dries out and doesn’t absorb shocks as well
Daily activities and sports cause tears in the outer core of the disc. By the age of 60, most people have some degree of disc degeneration. Not everyone at that age has back pain, however.

Injuries, which can cause swelling, soreness and instability. This can result in low back pain.

Degenerative Disc and Herniated Disc Treatment?

Your doctor will discuss with you the treatment options appropriate for your diagnosis.

For most people who do not have evidence of nerve root compression with muscle weakness, conservative, non-surgical therapies, such as medication, rest, exercise and physical therapy, are typically recommended.

A diagnosis is based on a medical history and a physical examination, as well as the symptoms and the circumstances where the pain started. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI scan) can show damage to discs, but it alone cannot confirm degenerative disc disease.

Bulging disc surgery is offered only after conservative treatment has have failed to adequately relieve the symptoms of pain, numbness and weakness over a significant period of time.

The benefits of spine surgery, however, must be weighed against the risks. Dr. Lenard will be able to discuss the risks and benefits of surgery with you, and the likely results of operative versus non-operative treatment.

Back Conditions

Dr. Lenard can help reduce or eliminate the back pain caused by these back conditions:

Cervical Radiculopathy (Pinched Nerve) Treatment

Cervical Radiculopathy

Cervical Radiculopathy is the clinical term for a condition which irritates the nerve in the cervical spine (neck). It is commonly called “pinched nerve” and it is caused by injury to the root of a spinal nerve. The discs between the bones of the spine bulge and lose height as we age, causing a nerve to become “pinched” by the bones. This results in sharp pain, or “pins and needles” sensation, or even numbness in the neck, shoulder, and arms. Read More

Spinal Cord Compression

Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy

Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy is a condition where the spinal canal in the neck narrows, compressing the spinal cord and causing pain and stiffness in the neck, loss of balance, and a tingling sensation or numbness. CSM is usually caused by wear and tear from age. It is most common in people over the age of 50, although it can occur earlier if they have had an injury to the spine at a young age. Surgery is advised in many cases of CSM because nonsurgical treatments cannot reverse the compression most of the time. Read More

Herniated Disc

The flexible cartilage discs between the bones of the spinal column are filled with a soft gel that cushions the bones and allows the spine to twist and bend. Degeneration or damage to a disc can cause this gel to leak into the spinal canal and press against the nerve, causing pain. Read More

Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

Lumbar Spinal Stenosis & Cervical Stenosis

Spinal Stenosis is a condition caused by narrowing of the spinal canal, which holds the spinal cord and nerve roots. Spinal stenosis in the lower back is called lumbar spinal stenosis and cause aching pain in the back, which can radiate into the buttocks, legs, and even feet. Stenosis in the neck is called cervical stenosis and causes numbness, tingling, or weakness in the leg, foot, arm, or hand, and can also cause balance problems. Spinal stenosis is most commonly a result of advanced age, although some people can be born with it. Read More

Spondylolysis & Spondylolisthesis

Stress Fracture in the Spinal Column

A Spondylolysis is a stress fracture in one of the bones in the spinal column. It is the most common cause of lower back pain in adolescent athletes. Spondylolisthesis is when the fractured bone cannot maintain its position and begins to slip out of place, possibly slipping far enough to put pressure on the spinal nerves. Read More

Scoliosis

Lateral Curve of the Spine

A lateral (sideways) curve in the normally straight vertical spine is referred to as scoliosis. Small curves do not cause any problems, but larger ones often cause discomfort and pain. Scoliosis can occur at any age and is more common in females than males. Read More

Spinal Fracture

Medical Term Here

A Spinal Fracture is a break in one or more of the bones (vertebrae) that make up the spine. Depending on the extent of the injury, the ligaments that surround the vertebrae and the cartilage discs between may be torn as well. A spinal fracture can be anything from a single break to bones shattered into many pieces. Although severe fractures typically result from extreme trauma to the back, a spine weakened from osteoporosis (low bone density) can fracture as a result of less intense activity, such as heavy lifting or twisting too quickly. Read More