Degenerative Disc Disease
Degenerative Disc Disease (also called Spondylosis) is a term used to describe age-related degenerative changes that can occur along the spine. The condition generally occurs in the spinal discs of the neck (cervical), upper back (thoracic) and lower back (lumbar) regions of the spine but is most common in the lower back area. Spinal discs are soft and compressible and separate the vertebral bones that make up the spine. The discs absorb shocks, allowing the spine to flex, bend, and twist easily. When the discs "degenerate" or lose their flexibility as they age, they lose their ability to cushion the spine. Spinal discs do not have good blood supply, and therefore once they are injured, they do not have the ability to repair themselves, causing severe pain and mobility restrictions.
Causes or Possible Risk Factors
- Age-related changes, including the loss of fluid / drying out and shrinking of the discs, the decrease of disc space, and having tiny tears or cracks in the outer layer (annulus or capsule) of the disc.
- Sudden (acute) injury leading to a herniated disc (such as a fall or a motor vehicle accident)
Symptoms
- Pain can affect the low back, buttocks, thighs or neck and, depending on where the affected disc is, radiate to the arms, hands or hips
- Tingling and/or numbness in the leg or foot
- Weakness in the leg muscles or foot drop may be a sign that there is damage to the nerve root
- Pain that is worse when sitting. While seated, the discs of the lower back have three times more load on them than when standing.
- Feeling better while walking or even running compared to sitting or standing for long periods of time
- Pain that gets worse when bending, lifting or twisting
- Feeling better when changing positions often or lying down
- Periods of nagging pain to severe, disabling pain that come and go and last from a few days to a few months before getting better
For more information on the conditions we treat and services we offer, or to book an appointment please call us on 416 489 5313 (Finch) / 416 604 4404 (Jane) or email us at info@physiowell.ca.
