2. Bulging discs – The disc remains structurally intact but the disc wall extrudes into the spinal column as a result of either the weakening of the annulus fibrosus or undue pressure on the disc itself.left879475However, the mere presence of herniated or bulging discs doesn’t always equate to pain or other symptoms. In fact, many individuals live their lives with the condition and never know it. Generally speaking, degenerative disc disease will usually only become painful when the herniated or bulging disc comes in contact with a nerve root or the spinal cord. The nerve infrastructure of the spinal column is responsible for facilitating the transfer of motor and sensory signals to and from the brain. When this free flow of information is interfered with by a defective disc, the body may respond with painful symptoms. Additionally, symptoms may be transferred along the nerve to the muscles innervated by that particular nerve, meaning pain, muscle weakness, numbness, and tingling all may be experienced in the extremities and in parts of the body far removed from the spine. Chronic neck and back pain can also accompany a herniated disc when the rupture irritates one of the very small nerves in the disc wall itself.<br />Degenerative disc disease can exist between any vertebrae in the spine in varying degrees of severity, but without question it is most common in the lumbar region of the spine in the lower back and cervical region in the neck. This is because these two areas of the spine have the distinction of being extremely flexible and are also taxed by a significant weight burden. In the case of the cervical spine, these small vertebrae must support the neck and all it movements; with the lumbar spine, five large vertebrae support much of the body’s weight and allow for the flexion, extension, and pivoting ability we often take for granted from our lower back.<br />Risk Factors<br />While the leading degenerative disc disease causes are nothing more than regular aging and normal wear and tear, there are also a number of other factors and lifestyle choices that can greatly increase the chances for developing the condition at some point. As a rule of thumb, anything that increases strain on the spine greatly accelerates spinal deterioration. For example, athletes who participate in high-impact sports such as football, hockey, rugby, or gymnastics, are far more susceptible to developing degenerative disc disease before middle age than those who have not. Similarly, someone who struggles with obesity tends to be more likely to develop spine problems because of the burden that excess body fat places on the spine. The same can be said for someone with poor posture or a spinal deformity.<br />Individuals who have a line of work that requires frequent bending, twisting, or lifting are also at risk for premature spinal degeneration. This is because repetitive mechanical activities without frequent breaks, sufficient stretching, and care tend to worsen wear and tear. Suffering a traumatic injury to the spine can also lead to a weakened intervertebral disc and an increased risk for experiencing degenerative disc disease with time. Living a sedentary lifestyle is also another risk factor for degenerative disc disease because prolonged periods of inactivity can cause the muscles and ligaments that support the spine to weaken, which in turn increases pressure on the spinal column itself.<br />Treating Degenerative Disc Disease<br />41681401259205Since degenerative disc disease causes frustrating, chronic symptoms, finding effective treatment is the utmost priority for patients who suffer from this condition. The good news is that there are several popular and well-received treatments currently available. That said, a doctor should always be the one to identify the source of chronic pain and be intimately involved in designing a comprehensive treatment plan. This is because what works for one may not work for all, and, in fact, the wrong course of treatment may actually exacerbate symptoms or prove entirely ineffective. A doctor must be able to assess the patient’s condition and symptoms, understand their lifestyle, and craft a treatment regimen that takes into consideration important variables such as the patient’s age and health, the cause of the problem, the extent of the symptoms, and more.<br />The initial stages of treatment include a variety of possible techniques ranging from noninvasive in-home treatments such as low-impact exercises or heat therapy to epidural injections, chiropractic therapy, and acupuncture. Occasionally, several weeks or months of conservative treatment fails to offer sufficient pain relief, in which case decompression surgery may need to be considered. In this case, the individual will do well to get a second opinion and research their various surgical options such as spinal fusion or a less invasive endoscopic technique.<br />To learn more about degenerative disc disease causes and treatments and to better understand how to reduce the chance of developing this potentially painful condition, speak with a medical professional today.<br />