Degenerative Spinal Disease

What is degenerative spinal disease?

Degenerative spinal disease arises when the spine loses its structure and function over time. For example, degenerative disc disease causes the cushions in the spine to gradually deteriorate and wear away. The spinal discs are protective, rubber-like cushions between the vertebrae. These discs act as shock absorbers, allowing you to bend, twist and move seamlessly. However, it’s normal for spinal discs to wear away due to age. When the cushioning slowly declines, the bones begin to painfully graze against each other, which results in pain and other associated conditions such as:

• Adult scoliosis: A disorder in which the spine curves abnormally.
• Herniated spinal disc: When the spinal disc begins to slip out of place, bulge abnormally or suddenly rupture.
• Spinal stenosis: The area around the spine begins to restrict.
• Spondylolisthesis: The vertebrae shift out of position and collapse onto the bones underneath. This can be extremely painful and occur at any point in the spine, but it commonly develops in the lower back.

Who is more likely to suffer from degenerative disc disease?

Those most susceptible to degenerative disc disease include:

• People who have unexpected falls
• Those diagnosed with obesity
• Smoking
• Occupy a physically strenuous job
• Older people

What are the typical signs of degenerative disc disease?

• Intermittent pain that prolongs over weeks, in some severe cases, months.
• Numb or tingling feeling in the limbs.
• Pain that travels from the buttocks to the lower part of the back.
• Pain that worsens when engaged in strenuous physical activity, which involves lifting, bending and sitting.

What are some of the causes of degenerative disc disease?

Degenerative disc disease arises when the spinal discs begin to wear out. This means the liquid content in the soft core of the disc begins to seep out. As a result, the discs begin to thin out, therefore not providing much cushioning to the spine.

Furthermore, minor traumatic injuries can cause superficial cracks in the spinal discs. These ruptures often occur in close proximity to the nerves, and even when they are small, these tears may still result in serious pain. When the outer part of the disc ruptures, the soft inside protrudes through a crack in the tough outer covering.