What is a degenerative disk disease?
Disc degenerative disease is normal changes in backbone discs as people get older. Spinal discs are discs that separate vertebrae that make up the backbone of a person. These discs absorb shock for the spine and help the spine bend and twist in the need. The degenerative disease of the disk occurs throughout the spine, but more often takes place in the discs of the cervical and lumbar regions.
changes in backbone discs can be the result of sore throat and back. They can also be caused by several health conditions, namely herniated disc, backbone stenosis and osteoarthrosis. The herniated disc is a storm in the backbone disk, the backbone stenosis occurs when the backbone channel - the space that holds the spinal cord - narrows and osteoarthritis is a deterioration in the cartilage that protects the joints. Such conditions exert pressure on nerves and spinal cord. On the other hand, the patient is experiencing pain and may have reduced nervous function.
The degenerative disease of the disk is caused by the deterioration of backbone discs. This distribution of discs is related tothe process of aging. As people age, they can lose liquid in discs, causing discs to become less flexible and unable to serve as shock absorbers.
These discs are thinned and the distance between the vertebrae decreases. Other age -related problems include small cracks or tears in the outer layer of the disk. Each backbone disk has a jelly similar to a core. When the discs have tears and cracks, the core escapes. As a result, the discs bulges, burst or break into small pieces.
changes in backbone discs are most common in smokers, people who regularly engage in severe physical work or those who are serious overweight. People who experience serious injuries that lead to a herniated disk are also candidates for changes in backbone discs. When such changes occur on discs, the person is caused by a degenerative disk disease.
space between vertebrae withE still narrows and there are fewer pillows between the bones. In order to fight these changes, the body develops bone growth, which is called bone spurs. Bone spurs exert pressure on the roots of the spinal cord or spinal cord and the patient begins to have pain.
symptoms of degenerative disk disease may vary in patients. Some people report pain back or neck while others do not experience any pain. Others may experience such chronic pain that they cannot continue with normal activities. Pain usually increases as one circles, bends or achieves. In some cases, patients may experience a sense of anesthesia or tingling in a leg or arm.
Once the person is diagnosed with degenerative disk disease, various forms of treatment are used. In order to ease the pain, ice or heat can be placed on the affected area. Acetaminophene or non-steroidal anti-inflammators of the drug can be used in conjunction with ice and heat therapy. Doctors can also prescribe physical therapy and stretchpatient. In extreme cases, surgery may be recommended. This often involves removing the damaged disc.