Understanding Degenerative Disc Disease:
December 4, 2009 by Back & Neck Pain Resources
Filed under Back Pain Conditions, Medical Conditions That Cause Back Pain
It is quite understandable that as people age, our body parts would also have some break downs of their own. This is usually attributed to the wear and tear that we put on it as we go about doing our regular activities. You can say that this is similar to our motor vehicles; the more mileage we put it through, then the higher chance that some of the parts would break down because of overuse.
One of the more painful breakdowns that can happen to our body is when our spinal discs are the one that degenerates. This is because once these parts of the body break down, it may put pressure on the spinal cord and nerves, which often leads to pain and may affect nerve function. This is what is commonly known as Degenerative disc disease.
How is Degenerative disc disease caused?
The degeneration of the discs usually happens simply because of age. As we age, the spinal discs break down and lose the fluid that allows it to act as the shock absorbers of our spinal cords. This is because the fluid is the one that enables the disc to expand and create the gaps between the vertebrae and the spinal cord and nerves.
Aside from age, another situation that can cause degenerative disc disease is improper posture. Our improper posture would create muscle imbalances and increase the pressure that disc would usually receive. This increases the rate of the wear and tear and would hasten degenerative disc disease.
You should note that degenerative disc disease is not something that would happen in one night, except if caused by physical trauma such as a sports injury. It would usually occur after a long time of continous pressure on the nerves.
What are the common treatments for Degenerative Disc Disease?
All the common treatments try to reduce the pressure that is bearing upon the nerves as well as stabilize the joints to prevent it from occurring again. There are various options for one to be able to do that such as: cortisone shots in the inflamed area, ultrasound treatment and electric stimulation, therapy and exercise, as well as taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Some doctors may also suggest surgery for those people who are really suffering from a serious case of degenerative disc disease.
What can I do right now to help myself feel better?
Well there are a various treatments that would help you in strengthening your back as well as decompressing the spine. You could try inversion therapy which would use gravity to try and remove the tightness in your vertebrae.
You could also try the various exercises and therapies, such as those set forth by muscle balance therapists, that would help in strengthening your back muscles and ensuring that they are balanced. This would help you by removing the unnecessary strain on your spinal cord caused by weak joints and muscles on your back.
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