Degenerative disc disease is caused by wear and tear on the intervertebral discs of the spine, resulting in low back pain and potentially herniated discs. Treatment includes rest, physical therapy, and epidural steroid injections.
Degeneration of the spine, or degenerative disc disease, is characterized by one or more intervertebral discs starting to break down as a result of wear and tear. The discs that provide cushioning between the vertebrae that make up the spine absorb pressure and stress from daily movement and activities. Over time, the vertebrae rubbing against the discs can cause them to tear and wear, causing degeneration.
The most common initial symptom of degenerative disc disease is low back pain which can spread to the buttocks, hips and thighs. It is considered one of the most common causes of low back pain. Spinal degeneration and disc degeneration can also lead to bulging or herniated discs. Protruding discs are generally not considered a serious condition unless they cause severe pain or cause narrowing of the spinal canal.
Pain from degenerative disc disease is usually caused by inflammation, abnormal micromotion instability, or a combination of the two. Inflammation means that the discs have swollen. Swollen discs can put pressure on the nerves in the disc space, causing back pain. Abnormal micromotor instability occurs when the outer rings of the intervertebral discs become worn or damaged. Worn discs aren’t as effective at absorbing pressure from spinal motion, which causes increased pressure on the vertebrae and nerves in the back.
Spinal degeneration is usually treated with mild pain relievers and rest. Resting on a firm mattress with a pillow placed under your knees can help relieve low back pain. Patients with degeneration shouldn’t rest for more than two or three days at a time, however, as this can lead to weakening of the back muscles and make the problem worse.
Some patients with spinal degeneration see physical therapists to help improve the condition. Physical therapists work with patients with back disorders to teach them exercises to strengthen the back and core muscles that support the body, improve range of motion and flexibility, and reduce pain and inflammation. Physical therapy helps patients learn the proper way to hold their spine when sitting, standing, and performing daily activities.
Epidural steroid injections are sometimes used in some patients to help control pain caused by degeneration of the spine. The injections contain an anti-inflammatory steroid called cortisone that can help relieve swelling and pain from bulging discs and reduce pain from irritated nerves in the disc spaces. Epidural steroid injections are typically used only when other, less invasive pain-relieving methods have failed.
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