Degenerative disk disease is a condition that occurs when the disks in your spine begin to wear down, causing pain and discomfort. Despite its name, it's not actually a disease but rather a natural part of the aging process. However, certain factors can accelerate disk degeneration, such as injuries, sports, and daily activities.
Spinal disks are the shock absorbers between the vertebrae (bones) in your spine. They help your back stay flexible, allowing you to bend and twist. As you age, these disks can begin to break down and may not work as well, leading to pain and other symptoms.
Degenerative disk disease typically develops in the parts of your spine that move the most:
Lumbar degenerative disk disease: This occurs in your lower back (lumbar spine), which has five vertebrae (L1 to L5). About 90% of disk problems caused by degenerative disk disease happen in this area.
Cervical degenerative disk disease: This happens in your neck (cervical spine), which has seven vertebrae. Disk degeneration in this area can make movements like turning your head or looking up and down painful and difficult.
Spinal disks are made up of a soft inner core and a tough outer wall. Over time, they can begin to dry out, crack, or become damaged due to:
Aging
Obesity
Heavy lifting and manual labor
Family history
Smoking
These factors can contribute to the development of degenerative disk disease, even if you don't experience pain right away.
Common signs and symptoms of degenerative disk disease include:
Sharp or constant pain in your back and neck
Pain that worsens when sitting and improves with movement
Pain that gets better when changing positions or lying down
Numbness and tingling in your arms and legs
Weakness in your leg muscles
The pain may range from mild to severe and can travel to other parts of your body if the damaged disk pinches or compresses the nerves in your spine.
To diagnose degenerative disk disease, your doctor will discuss your medical history and symptoms, perform a physical examination, and may order imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs to check for bone or nerve damage near your spine.
Treatment for degenerative disk disease aims to ease pain and prevent further damage. Options may include:
Over-the-counter pain relievers
Prescription medications
Physical therapy
Steroid shots
Radiofrequency neurotomy
Surgery (e.g., spinal fusion, diskectomy, artificial disk replacement)
In addition to medical treatments, lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, getting regular exercise, and improving your posture can help manage pain and prevent further disk degeneration.
While you can't completely prevent degenerative disk disease, you can take steps to reduce your risk and manage your symptoms:
Maintain a healthy weight
Quit smoking or avoid starting
Exercise regularly with low-impact activities
Practice good posture
Avoid heavy lifting and high-impact exercises
If you experience persistent or severe back pain, consult your doctor to develop an appropriate treatment plan.
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