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Lumbar Disc Disease

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What is Lumbar Degenerative Disc Disease

Degenerative disc disease is a spinal condition that can affect the various parts of the spine.  One of the most common forms of this condition is lumbar degenerative disc disease. 

Most often, lumbar degenerative disc disease is initially caused by an injury to the lower back.  An example of this would be when a person twists or rotates while performing an activity such as swinging a golf club, baseball bat, or perhaps when rotating to place or reach for something.  Lumbar degenerative disc disease may also occur through the natural wear and tear process, or the degenerative process.  What this means is that as we age, over an extended period of time, our body parts become worn and weak. 

Who Suffers from Lumbar Degenerative Disc Disease

Most people diagnosed with this spinal condition are typically between the ages of thirty and fifty.  Some may not even be aware that they suffer from this condition, while others may experience minor signs and symptoms to those who actually are no longer able to perform or maintain their current lifestyle.  Their work may be affected, sleep patterns may change and certain physical activities may no longer be performed or enjoyed. 

For those who experience more severe signs and symptoms from this condition and feel it is having a debilitating affect on their day to day life, treatment options may include surgery.

Signs and Symptoms of Lumbar Degenerative Disc Disease

Most patients who experience symptoms will typically have flare ups that may last a few days or more.  The pain is primarily in the lower back or lumbar region, however it may be felt in the hips and legs.  This pain may be more present in a seated position due to the discs having to bear more weight in that position.  If pain is worse when sitting, it is recommended that this position not be for an extended period of time.  Bending, twisting and lifting may also increase pain. 

Lumbar degenerative disc disease is often due to inflammation in the disc space causing irritation to the nerves as well as the weakened outer ring of the disc no longer having the capability of containing the centre or the nucleus.  The result of this is the disc bulging or rupturing in the disc space causing irritation to the nerve. 

These subtle findings are for the most part just as likely to show up on a scan of someone who has not had pain as one who has had chronic low back pain. Also, these subtler findings are more consistent with natural aging of the back than of a pathological pain producing disc space. Disc degeneration is actually quite common among people who have no pain or other symptoms, so the patient’s history and physical examination are an essential part of the diagnosis.

Treatment for Lumbar Degenerative Disc Disease

There are different treatments for a lumbar degenerative disc.  Physical therapy, heat and ice, over the counter medication to alleviate any pain or inflammation are just a few treatments that have been quite effective in dealing with the pain from lumbar degenerative disc disease. 

There are also lower back degenerative disc disease exercises that may be performed and have proven to be an effective means of alleviating lower back pain caused by this condition. 

While lying on the back, try the following:

1. Knees bent and arms at sides, tighten stomach muscles, slowly raise one leg three inches off the floor, return to start and repeat for opposite leg. As the stomach muscles get stronger, legs can be alternated without returning to start position.  Initial goal is to do this exercise for fifteen seconds, three times. Remember to rest for fifteen seconds between repetitions.  For an added challenge, work up to using arms opposite to the leg.
2. Knees bent, slowly lift buttocks off floor, hold for ten seconds, lower and repeat for a total of fifteen reps.  Goal is to be able to hold for twenty seconds at a higher level from the floor and for twenty reps.

While lying on the stomach, try the following:

1. Raise one leg, knee at a slight bend, hold for five seconds and return to start, repeat opposite leg. Note: your back and neck should not be arched.
2. Face down, elbows straight, arms in front, raise one arm and opposite leg two inches off floor, hold for five seconds, return to start, repeat opposite for a total of 10 reps each side.