Degenerative Disc Disease

There are many types of back and neck disorders that affect the majority of the population in the United States. Injury, aging, general health, and lifestyle may influence the development of some conditions. Most spinal disorders are known to result from soft tissue injury, structural injury, and degenerative, or congenital conditions.

Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) affects the vertebral discs. During spinal flexion and extension, the discs absorb and distribute pressure and excessive stress created by movement. It is natural for some disc wear and tear to occur with age and movement.

When the spine is x-rayed the disc spaces between the vertebrae may appear narrow indicating DDD. Loss of disc hydration is one of many biochemical changes that occurs with age and may cause discs to thin, shrink, or collapse. A similar chemical change occurs as a tire ages. As the tire loses its resilience its original form is compromised. The disc may shrink in size, wrinkle, or crack. Pieces of the disc may break away (fragments) and cause nerve irritation. Thin, collapsed, or broken discs reduce the size of the neuroforamen formed between the upper and lower vertebral discs. As the neuroforamen is reduced in size, compressed nerves begin to swell and signal pain.

The neuroforamen could be compared to brakes on a car. In this scenario the vertebral discs are the brake pads that form a cushion between the foot pedal (top vertebral body) and the wheel (bottom vertebral body). Age, abuse, and wear and tear cause the brake pads to thin or even disintegrate. What happens? The brakes squeal (pain) and may not stop the car. The driver of the car feels the affects of the faulty brakes. A normal amount of wear and tear is expected and acceptable. The same is true of the spine. With proper nutrition, regular exercise, and prevention the body can be in good shape at any age.

This article is an excerpt from a book titled Save Your Aching Back and Neck, A Patient's Guide (Second Edition, May 2002, completely revised).