Degenerative Disc Disease: Facts and Things to Know

Photo by Unsplash: Emiliano Vittoriosi

Are you currently diagnosed with, concerned about, or just interested in learning more about degenerative disc disease? First, did you know that degenerative disc disease isn’t a disease at all? Rather, it’s a condition describing spinal discs that have undergone damage, causing disabling and intensely nagging pain in your back, along with other symptoms.

Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is a rather common condition that will likely happen to everyone at some point in their life due to the breakdown of these spinal discs as you age. However, not every person may be afflicted with pain.

What Are Spinal Discs?

Spinal discs are spongy pads that divide the vertebrae (bones of the spine) and act as shock absorbers. This provides your vertebrae with pivot points for ease of movement while stabilizing your spine. These pads are also filled with a gel-like substance that prevents your backbones from grinding together. Over time, as you age, the discs do suffer from wear and tear, and become brittle and dry, hence the start of DDD.

About Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD)

A healthy back’s spinal discs between the vertebrae work like shock absorbers, allowing you to easily twist, flex, and bend. These discs start to deteriorate as you age, leading to degenerative disc disease. 

Did you know that according to studies of a wide range of people who received an MRI scan, the majority of the seniors showed disc degeneration? We’ve listed some things you should know relating to degenerative disc disease:

1. Don’t Be Afraid of the Name

As degenerative disc disease advances to more severe stages, the pain can be debilitating. but it’s likely something that everyone will encounter at some point in their lives. Additionally, over 90% of people over age 60 have some degree of DDD. By the age of 60, over 90% of people have some degree of DDD.

2. DDD Progresses to Spinal Osteoarthritis (OA)

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and happens when joint cartilage wears down or is inflamed. Degenerative disc disease can, however, play a part in degenerative and facet joint arthritis. Although different, DDD and spinal osteoarthritis can exacerbate one another since they often coexist.

3. Widespread Disability Is Largely Due To DDD 

Were you aware that lower back pain is one of the leading causes of disability claims globally? Particularly, pain in the lower back.  

4. DDD Is Genetic 

Although most people will eventually experience degenerative disc disease, it’s still considered partly genetic as well. Age does play a big part in your risk for DDD, and if a parent has experienced DDD, it escalates an offspring's chances of acquiring it earlier than most and to a much more overwhelming degree. 

Conclusion 

Degenerative disc disease cannot be reversed, but you may be able to delay its progress and greatly minimize pain with the right treatment.