Degenerative Disc Disease

What exactly is Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD)??

When discs lose water content due to disease or ageing, they lose height, bringing the vertebrae closer together. As a result, your spine’s nerve openings become narrower. When this occurs, the discs do not absorb shocks as well, especially when walking, running, or jumping.

Wear and tear, as well as poor posture and incorrect body movements, can all weaken the disc and lead to disc degeneration.

What Is the Cause of Degenerative Disc Disease?

Degenerative disc disease is a natural part of the aging process for some of us. Our intervertebral discs can lose flexibility, elasticity, and shock-absorbing properties as we age. Others may develop degenerative disc disease as a result of a back injury.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms?

Degenerative disc disease can cause back and/or leg pain, as well as functional issues like tingling or numbness in your legs or buttocks, as well as difficulty walking.

How is it identified?

Degenerative disc disease is diagnosed through a physical examination of the body, with special attention paid to the back and lower extremities. Your doctor will examine your back for flexibility, range of motion, and the presence of certain signs that indicate that degenerative changes in your back are affecting your nerve roots. This frequently entails testing the strength of your muscles and reflexes to ensure that they are still functioning normally.

You will frequently be asked to fill out a diagram indicating the location of your pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness. X-rays and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be recommended.