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Degenerative Disc Causes a Variety of Other Back Problems
Degenerative disc causes many common back ailments, but to understand how and why, it helps to know what the condition actually is. Degenerative disc disease is the gradual breakdown of the discs between the vertebrae. These discs usually act as shock absorbers, but with age they begin to lose water and protein and they become more stiff and brittle. When this happens, the gel-like nucleus can force itself against a weak portion of the vertebra’s outer wall. This often presses into the spinal canal, causing a bulging disc. If the wall ruptures and the nucleus material oozes into the spinal canal, it is called a herniated disc.
While those are two of the most common conditions degenerative disc causes, there are others as well. As a disc breaks apart and flattens, the vertebrae on either side of it come closer together. This can create friction between the two, and the result can be broken down cartilage on the vertebral joints. This creates many of the symptoms felt by spinal arthritis patients, who also experience cartilage disintegration. Disc degeneration also limits the stability in the spine and the body may generate bone spurs in an attempt to make up for that. The bone spurs, the vertebral movements, and the disc herniation common with degenerative disc disease can all lead to nerve compression, which may cause pain, tingling, weakness, numbness, and other symptoms that reduce one’s quality of life.
If your degenerative disc causes these types of problems and conservative treatments, like over-the-counter medicines and physical therapy, don’t help, you may want to contact Laser Spine Institute (LSI). We offer a variety of endoscopic treatments that can relieve your symptoms without the risks of major invasive surgery. Contact us today.