Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD)

Degenerative disc disease also known as Discogenic low back pain is normally an age related disorder. Degenerative Disc Disorder involves degenerative annular tears, loss of disc height, and nuclear degradation. Degenerative disc disease (DDD) may be observed with MRI in 25% of asymptomatic individuals aged less than 40 years and 60% of those aged more than 40 years. A few observational studies suggest that two conditions to which back pain is often attributed, lumbar disc herniation and degenerative disc disease may not be more prevalent among those in pain than among the general population and that the mechanisms by which these conditions might cause pain are not known. Other studies suggest that for as many as 85% of cases, no physiological cause for the pain has been able to be specifically identified.

Most of the patients with degenerative disc disorder feel no symptoms. Even if they do, over 90% of individuals specifically diagnosed with degenerative disc disease will find that their low back pain and other symptoms go away or subside with three months. But even patients whose pain does not subside within three months can undertake a range of actions including a number of self-care activities to manage their pain. Furthermore, the pain of disc degeneration usually subsides with time, by age 60 a degenerated disc will have stabilized and will usually not be painful. Consequently, the goal for patients living with degenerative disc disease should be to control their low back pain and other symptoms enough to maintain their ability to function in everyday activities and if possible avoid major surgery. Degenerative disc diseases are at time inter-relevant to various other conditions. Spondylolisthesis is ne such condition. It causes back pain because adjacent vertebra become unstable and begins to "slip." The most common cause of spondylolisthesis is due to degenerative changes causing loss of the normal stabilizing structures of the spinal column. If the spine becomes unstable enough, back pain can become a problem.

For the patients suffering from degenerative disc diseases, there usually are very less symptoms. Exercises are very important for them. Those who have pain can start it once the pain is adequately controlled. Another most important thing patients can do is stay active. Exercise not only preserves what functionality exists, it is the single best way of healing the back. Exercise increases the flow of blood and oxygen and other nutrients to the back and discs, thereby keeping them hydrated and as pliable as possible. Exercise can also improve one’s sense of well-being by promoting the release of endorphins, a natural pain-reliever and stress reducer. Alternating 30 minutes of strengthening exercises with low-impact exercise like walking, biking or swimming every other day can maintain flexibility and mobility, as well as control weight. For a healthy back weight control is very important as it can cause postural problems and can have extreme contribution to degenerative disc diseases.