Degenerative disc disease is the consequence of certain factors, such as old age and poor posture. Because it is a progressive condition, its diagnosis and treatment should be carried out in advance since discopathy can lead to even more severe conditions, such as herniated discs[1]Choi YS. Pathophysiology of degenerative disc disease. Asian spine journal. 2009 Jun;3(1):.
In general, once they start, degenerative spinal processes can be controlled, but they do not return to the same as before. The main objective of treatment is to control pain symptoms and prevent the natural progression of wear and tear. Therefore, it is essential to understand that spinal care will be a fundamental part of life.
What is Degenerative Disc Disease?
Degenerative discopathy is the wear and tear between the vertebrae of the spine, mainly due to old age and several other causes. As a result, these vertebrae lose their standard (original) shape, increasing the risk and intensifying after the onset of other diseases.
The discs are small gelatinous structures that lie between each pair of vertebrae. They work as shock absorbers, so when there is more significant wear and tear, there is a greater direct impact on the nerves, causing pain to the patient[2]Battié MC, Joshi AB, Gibbons LE. Degenerative disc disease: what is in a name?. Spine. 2019 Nov 1;44(21):1523-9..
Furthermore, degenerative disc disease is a progressive condition. Therefore, the sooner you identify symptoms, the better and easier it will be to solve this problem.
This degeneration can mainly affect the L4-L5 and L3-L4 vertebrae; however, the entire spine may be affected. Look at the image below and understand more precisely the location hit.
What are the causes of degenerative disc disease?
Degenerative disc disease is often associated with aging. It is common for people over 40 years of age to show signs of wear and tear on the intervertebral discs since, over time, these structures tend to lose water and undergo conformational changes. The reason age is a determining factor is related to the role that the discs play in the spine’s stability.
These small gelatinous structures are located between each pair of vertebrae and act as shock absorbers. They absorb the impacts suffered when walking, moving, or rotating the back and ensure that friction between bones and other components is minimized. Tension, body weight, and everyday movements can cause the intervertebral discs to become dehydrated and flattened over the years, characterizing discopathy[3]Henrotin YE, Cedraschi C, Duplan B, Bazin T, Duquesnoy B. Information and low back pain management: a systematic review. Spine. 2006 May 15;31(11):E326-34..
The loss of fluid and volume reduces the cushioning capacity of these structures and causes an imbalance in the relationship between the spine’s components, making it difficult to move and resulting in discomfort and pain.
In addition to aging, other factors can accelerate disc degeneration. Among them, obesity, smoking, poor posture, unsupervised physical activities, and injuries stand out.
In some cases, anatomical issues may result in a congenital predisposition, i.e., an increased propensity to develop discopathy.
As this is a progressive condition, it is essential to identify symptoms as soon as possible to begin treatment with a spinal specialist.
What treatments are available?
Although there is no cure, the treatment of Degenerative Disc Disease is essential and beneficial to control pain and alleviate other symptoms. It can vary significantly according to the degree of degeneration and symptoms.
Still, it generally includes physical therapy and physical exercise and may also have pain medications and anti-inflammatory drugs, in selected cases, and always with medical advice.
In some cases, the doctor may recommend applying cortisone injections or anesthetic agents directly to the spine — very effective in relieving pain.
In addition to medication and treatment performed through physical therapy and physical exercise, surgery may also be necessary. Several types of surgical procedures are possible in the treatment of Degenerative Disc Disease, including the removal or removal of the disc in the case of hernias that compress the nerves and arthrodesis with the placement of screws and rods. Still, it must always be remembered that disc degeneration will continue to occur even after surgery.
Information about prevention
Even though it is an inevitable condition linked to the aging process, degenerative disc disease can be somewhat delayed through healthy practices – such as exercising, not smoking, taking care of spinal posture, and avoiding overloading an overweight spine, among others.
- Maintain a healthy weight: Eat nutrient-dense foods and exercise regularly to maintain a healthy body weight, which can help reduce the risk of developing degenerative disc disease.
- Exercise regularly: Participate in low-impact activities, such as walking, swimming, and cycling, to increase flexibility, strengthen the muscles around the spine, and help maintain a healthy weight.
- Avoid smoking: Smoking can increase the risk of degenerative disc disease by reducing oxygen and nutrient supply to the discs in the spine. In the long term, this can lead to several problems and leave the spine fragile.
- Practice good posture: Stand and sit with your shoulders back and your chin up to help keep your spine in proper alignment and reduce the risk of degenerative disc disease.
- Avoid activities that involve twisting of the spine: Avoid activities that require repetitive twisting of the spine, such as golf and certain types of yoga, as they can increase the risk of developing degenerative disc disease.
- Use proper lifting techniques: When lifting heavy objects, use proper lifting techniques to reduce strain on the spine and lower the risk of developing degenerative disc disease.
- Use ergonomic chairs and desks: Use ergonomically designed chairs and desks to reduce strain on the spine and help prevent degenerative disc disease.
- Use adjustable beds: Use adjustable beds to help keep your spine in proper alignment and reduce the risk of developing degenerative disc disease.
- Practice yoga or tai chi: Participate in low-impact activities, such as yoga or tai chi, to help increase flexibility and reduce the risk of developing degenerative disc disease. Tai Chi Chuan is an internal martial art of Chinese origin. The style is smooth, and favors muscle relaxation, unlike most martial arts, which aim at agility and greater muscle tension. Tai Chi Chuan can be considered a moving meditation.
- Use hot and cold therapy to reduce inflammation: Apply hot and cold therapy to reduce inflammation and relieve pain associated with degenerative disc disease.
MD, PhD. Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Physician from São Paulo - Brazil. Pain Fellowship in University of São Paulo.
References
| ↑1 | Choi YS. Pathophysiology of degenerative disc disease. Asian spine journal. 2009 Jun;3(1): |
|---|---|
| ↑2 | Battié MC, Joshi AB, Gibbons LE. Degenerative disc disease: what is in a name?. Spine. 2019 Nov 1;44(21):1523-9. |
| ↑3 | Henrotin YE, Cedraschi C, Duplan B, Bazin T, Duquesnoy B. Information and low back pain management: a systematic review. Spine. 2006 May 15;31(11):E326-34. |