What is Degenerative Disc Disease?
You actually don’t have to be that old in order to have an aching back. Degenerative disc disease (DDD) can occur in people as young as 20, but it more typically affects older people.
If you have chronic back or neck pain, you may have degenerative disc disease. This degenerative spinal condition is not really a disease - it’s the normal wear and tear process of ageing on your spine. Unfortunately, as we age, our intervertebral discs (pillow-like pads between the bones in your spine) lose their flexibility, elasticity, and shock absorbing characteristics. When this happens, the discs change from a supple, flexible state that allows fluid movement, to a stiff and rigid state that restricts your movement.
People with degenerative disc disease generally have ongoing back or neck pain, with occasional flares of acute pain when their “back goes out.” DDD can affect any part of the spine. The pain usually occurs in the area where there is gradual deterioration of a disc.
Common symptoms include:
- More pain when sitting for a long time, bending, lifting, or twisting
- Less pain when walking or running
- Less pain if you change positions frequently
- Less pain when you lie down
It’s important to treat your back and neck pain properly. Visit your physiotherapist if your pain persists and seek immediate attention if you have any of the emergency signs listed below.
Warning Signs You Need Immediate Help
- Pain is getting worse
- Disabling pain
- Leg weakness, pain, numbness, or tingling
- Loss of bowel or bladder control
Back pain may not be just a sign of ageing. Every spine is very different. To get the best treatment, you first need to know the origin of the problem. Your physiotherapist will be able to assess you spine and give you treatment and advice according to your problem.
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Herniated Disc
Do You Have a Herniated Disc?
A slipped disc can happen anywhere in the spine, and surprisingly, a slipped disc does not actually slip. Instead, the disc, which is located between the bones of the spine (vertebrae), splits or ruptures. When this happens, the inner gel-like substance leaks out. This is called a herniation of the nucleus pulposus - or a herniated disc. People between the ages of 30 and 50 are most at risk for herniation because the elasticity and water content of the nucleus pulposus decrease with age.
Not every herniated disc causes symptoms. In fact, many people discover they have a herniated disc after having an x-ray/MRI for an unrelated reason.
If you have a herniated disc, it is important to treat it properly. See your doctor or physiotherapist for treatment and advice - and seek immediate attention if you experience any of the following emergency signs:
- Pain is getting worse
- Disabling pain
- Leg or arm pain, weakness, numbness, tingling
- Loss of feeling or weakness in your bladder or anus
- Loss of bowel or bladder control
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