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Degenerative Disc Disease
Degeneration of the intervertebral disc,
which is often called "degenerative disc disease" (DDD)
of the spine, is a common disorder of the lower spine. Disc
degeneration can lead to disorders such as spinal stenosis
(narrowing of the spinal canal that houses the spinal cord
and nerve roots; can be lumbar or cervical), spondylolisthesis
(forward slippage of the disc and vertebra), and retrolisthesis
(backward slippage of the disc and vertebra). DDD is in fact
not a disease but, rather, a degenerative condition that can
be painful and can greatly affect the victim's quality of life.
Disc degeneration is a normal part of aging and is generally
not a problem by itself. However, for certain individuals,
a degenerated disc can cause pain, such as when bone spurs
grow adjacent to the discs and pinch or put pressure on the
nearby nerve roots or spinal canal.
Causes
Aging is the most common cause
of disc degeneration. As the body ages, the discs in the spine
dehydrate, or dry out, and lose their ability to act as shock
absorbers between the vertebrae. The bones and ligaments that
make up the spine also become less flexible and thicken. Unlike
muscles, there is minimal blood supply to the discs so they lack
the ability to heal or repair themselves. Repetitive stress injury
(RSI) and/or several injuries over time that involve the same
disc can also increase the likelihood of disc degeneration as
may a poor body mass index. However, an active lifestyle that
combines regular light exercise and a good diet can help to repair
or prolong the life of the disc.
Symptoms
With symptomatic degenerative
disc disease, chronic low back pain sometimes radiates to
the hips, or there is an aching pain in the buttocks or thighs
while walking; sporadic tingling or weakness through the
knees may also be evident. Similar pain may be felt or may
increase while sitting, bending, lifting, and twisting. While
the degeneration of the disc will likely progress as a natural
part of the aging process, symptoms such as low back pain
often decrease over time.
Understanding Disc
Pain
It is not clear why some degenerative discs
are painful and some are not. After an injury, some discs
become painful because of inflammation. Some people have
nerve endings that penetrate more deeply into the annulus
fibrosus, or outer layer of the disc, than others, making
the disc more susceptible to becoming a source of pain. Pain
that radiates down the leg, known as sciatica or lumbago,
is the result of the nerve root encountering the inner disc
material, or the nucleus pulposus, an inflammatory substance
that also puts pressure on the nerve. These conditions can
cause symptoms such as severe leg pain, difficulty standing
and walking, and weakness or numbness in the legs. Degenerative
disc disease can lead to a chronic debilitating condition
and can have a serious negative impact on a person's quality
of life. When pain from degenerative disc disease is severe,
traditional nonoperative treatment is often ineffective.
Site
Map
Main Greensboro Office
3410 West Wendover Aveue Suite A
Greensboro, North Carolina 27407
Phone: 336-274-3500 / Fax: 336-292-1928
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2608-A
Lawndale Dr.
Greensboro, North Carolina 27407
Phone: 336-540-1040
Fax: 336-540-1041 |
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1692
NC Highway.
68 Ste. E
Oak Ridge, North Carolina 27310
Phone: 336-644-6446
Fax: 336-644-6442 |
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1515
Hanes Mall Blvd.
Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27103
Phone: 336-773-7373
Fax: 336-765-7006 |
© 2010 Salama Chiropractic
Greensboro, North Carolina (NC) Chiropractors, - Oak
Ridge & Winston-Salem
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