Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is a disorder where age-related disc wear and tear results in discomfort and instability in the spine. It’s among the most frequent reasons why people have neck and lower back pain. DDD is usually diagnosed once symptoms appear, though it can occur with or without symptoms. A long, vertical column of movable bones called vertebrae makes up your spine. These vertebrae are divided into three divisions: lumbar (lower back), thoracic (upper back), and cervical (neck). The 33 vertebrae are separated from one another by a shock-absorbing disk that keeps the bones from grinding against one another. Discs are shaped much like tires (see pictures below); each vertebra bone is connected to a dense band of fibrous tissue that makes up the tough outer wall, or annulus. Additionally, it stabilizes the disc and aids in regulating how much it moves. Similar to the inner tube, the disc’s nucleus, a gel-filled core, alters shape in response to varying stresses.
Approximately 80% of our discs are formed of water when we are born, but as we age, they dry out and lose moisture. As a result, the disc’s height and shock-absorbing capacity are diminished, providing less cushioning and intervertebral space in the spine.
Osteophytes, or bone spurs, are bony growths that can develop from severely reduced disc space. These growths can put additional strain on the vertebrae and eventually induce osteoarthritis, also known as spondylosis. You can get it treated by Dr. Yash Pratap one of the best physical therapist in greater noida.
Depending on which part of the spine is affected, the reduced space may also occasionally result in pinched or irritated spinal nerves. This can lead to lumbar spine symptoms such as “Sciatica” or cervical spine symptoms such as “cervical radiculopathy,” which typically manifest as weakness, numbness, and hot, shooting pains in the arms and legs.
Moreover, DDD raises the possibility of disc tears, which would further degrade the disc space.
Although age is the primary determinant, other risk factors might hasten the aging process or increase your vulnerability, such as:
Moreover, disc degeneration may precipitate or contribute to the development of additional spinal disorders, including:
Herniated Disc: When a disc is damaged, it may protrude through the fibrous layer outside the disk.
A type of spinal deterioration known as spinal stenosis causes squeezing of the spinal cord or nerve roots. The condition known as spondylolisthesis occurs when joint and disc degeneration causes one vertebral body to slide forward onto another.
Degenerative Conditions Scoliosis: when discs and joints degrade in a crooked fashion and a ‘curve’ in the spine can develop over time. These disorders can sometimes have identical symptoms, hence you must get professional help from an experienced healthcare practitioner, to acquire an exact diagnosis.
Treatments for osteoarthritis differ based on the severity of the ailment, the location of the joint degeneration, and the level of disability that the symptoms of the condition create. Options for treatment include doing nothing and adopting a “wait and see” attitude, practicing self-care, visiting a physician to develop a treatment strategy, attempting physio physiotherapist, and undergoing orthopedic surgery.
Osteoarthritis can typically be handled effectively with non-surgical treatments to reduce pain and increase joint flexibility. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDS), heat and cold compresses applied to the afflicted joints, backache therapy, low-impact exercise, joint strengthening exercises, and other non-surgical measures are possible forms of treatment. For therapy physical therapy , Spineact is one of the best physiotherapy clinic in greater noida and Dr. Yash Pratap is the best physical therapy therapist in greater noida.
Some people receive relief by modifying their lifestyle. For instance, reducing alcohol intake, giving up smoking, and lowering weight can all help lessen symptoms. Some people find comfort through alternative treatment, which includes acupuncture, massage therapy, and chiropractic adjustments. Whatever you decide to do, consult your doctor frequently to be sure you’re not taking any actions that could exacerbate your disease.
If you are severely disabled or in pain, surgery can be necessary. Your quality of life can be significantly enhanced and long-lasting symptom alleviation can be achieved with joint surgery. Almost always, the foundation of any therapy program for degenerative disc disease is a consistent exercise regimen. Exercise and spinal movement have numerous significant advantages, such as reducing pain and supplying the spine with nutrients to sustain and maintain the discs, muscles, ligaments, and joints.
A physical and therapy program’s main objectives are twofold:
To lessen the intensity of the leg pain that goes along with the lower back discomfort
to reduce the length and intensity of any pain flare-ups, which are typical for this illness.
Following a controlled, moderate, and progressive exercise regimen for physical therapy or exercise is essential. Water therapy could be suggested for people whose extreme discomfort prevents them from engaging in active treatments. Water’s buoyancy is especially helpful for activities that need you to lift your legs.
Patients should consult a physical therapy spine specialist before beginning any new exercise regimen. These specialists are skilled in creating customized back training regimens and teaching patients the proper form and technique for each activity. Exercise plans for people with low back pain might differ greatly based on the patient’s diagnosis and degree of discomfort.
The spinal column facilitates movement in the body, as do all the muscles, ligaments, and tendons that are attached to it. Stretching is meant to restore range of motion, and low back pain may be caused by restricted back range of motion.
Degenerative disc disease-related chronic lower back pain is frequently accompanied by similar features in the muscles supporting the trunk, including reduced cross-sectional area and elevated fat content. 1, 2, 3, and 4 The mobility and range of motion of the spine are enhanced by regular stretching of the lower back and these target muscles.
Patients with persistent lower back pain frequently discover that an increased range of motion in their lower back results in alleviation from their lower back pain, albeit it may take several weeks or months of consistent stretching to notice improvement. You can come to the Spineact physio therapy clinic and get your back pain treated with the world class Spinal Decompression Technology.