The spine is made up of 23 vertebral discs that rest between the vertebrae that form the vertebral column. Each disc is made up of two parts:

• Annulus fibrosus — Tough outer core made up of tough collagen fibers
• Nucleus pulposus — Soft inner core that contains a microprotein gel 

The spinal discs have several essential jobs:

• Serve as durable protection to hold the spine together
• Provide some mobility and flexibility in the spine, allowing you to bend and twist
• Cushion the vertebrae and function as shock absorbers

Degenerative disc disease is a condition that occurs when the discs in the spine begin to deteriorate. Many people experience some degree of disc degeneration as they age. However, not everyone with degenerative disc disease will experience symptoms. The severity of symptoms can vary greatly from person to person. Although there is no cure for this condition, there are steps you can take to help manage it. 

Causes of degenerative disc disease

Aging is a major factor to developing degenerative disc disease, but several other factors can also contribute to the development, including:

• Genetics — Some people may have a genetic predisposition to degenerative disc disease.

• Injuries — Injuries to the back, such as accidents or falls, can accelerate disc degeneration.

• Heavy lifting or repetitive movements— Occupations or activities that involve heavy lifting or repetitive motions can put strain on the spine and contribute to the development of degenerative disc disease.

• Obesity — Excess weight can increase pressure on the spine and accelerate disc degeneration.

• Smoking — Smoking can weaken the discs in the spine and increase the risk of degenerative disc disease. 

These factors can increase the risk of degenerative disc disease, but not everyone who experiences these factors will develop symptoms. 

How does degenerative disc disease feel?

Degenerative disc disease can cause a variety of symptoms, depending on the location of the affected discs. Common symptoms associated with degenerative disc disease include:

• Lower back pain — Persistent or intermittent pain in the lower back can be dull, aching or sharp. Pain can get worse with movement or after sitting for long periods. The pain can come and go, which can affect your ability to do daily activities.

• Sciatica — If a degenerated disc presses on the sciatic nerve, pain can radiate from the lower back down one or both legs, following the path of the sciatic nerve. The pain can be described as:
  • Burning
  • Tingling
  • Shooting

• Numbness or tingling — You may experience a sensation of numbness or tingling in the legs, feet or buttocks. It can occur along with or without pain. This can be a sign of nerve compression or irritation due to disc degeneration.

• Weakness in the legs — You may have a feeling of weakness or heaviness in your legs. This weakness can affect your balance and mobility, which can make walking or standing difficult. This can impact your daily activities and quality of life.

• Decreased range of motion — Reduced flexibility or difficulty moving the spine, especially in bending or twisting motions, can make movements uncomfortable or painful. This can limit your physical activity.

• Pain worse with activity — Pain that gets worse with physical activities such as bending, lifting or twisting can interfere with your:
  • Work
  • Exercise
  • Recreational activities

• Difficulty sitting for long periods of time — You may experience an increase in discomfort or pain while you sit for extended periods. This pain may be alleviated by standing or moving around. It can affect your ability to do tasks such as working at a desk. 

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, especially if they are interfering with your daily life or continuing despite rest and self-care measures, it’s important to see a health care provider. They can diagnose the condition through physical exams and imaging studies. After a diagnosis is determined, they can recommend appropriate treatments to help manage symptoms and improve your quality of life. 

Things to avoid with degenerative disc disease

If you have degenerative disc disease, it’s important to take steps to manage your symptoms and further progression. Here are some things you should take care to avoid:

• High-impact sports and activities — Activities that involve running, jumping or sudden changes in direction can put stress on your spine and aggravate degenerative disc disease symptoms.

• Twisting into straining positions — Avoid twisting your back excessively, as this can put strain on the discs and worsen pain.

• Poor posture or body mechanics — Maintaining good posture and proper body mechanics can help reduce stress on the spine and prevent further damage.

• Heavy lifting with improper form — Lifting heavy objects without using proper form can increase the risk of back injury and aggravate degenerative disc disease symptoms.

• Prolonged sitting or a sedentary lifestyle — sSitting for extended periods can contribute to back pain; it’s important to avoid prolonged inactivity.

• Smoking — Smoking can accelerate disc degeneration and make symptoms worse.

• Inflammatory foods — Some people find that reducing their intake of inflammatory foods can help manage their degenerative disc disease symptoms. These foods include:
  • Processed foods
  • Sugary drinks
  • Red meats

• Normal activities too soon — If you’re experiencing a flare-up of degenerative disc disease symptoms, try to rest and avoid activities that aggravate your symptoms. Gradually increase your activity levels as your symptoms improve.

• Low furniture — Sitting on low furniture can put extra strain on the spine and contribute to back pain.

• Dehydration — Staying hydrated is vital for overall health and can help manage degenerative disc disease symptoms.

• Wrong footwear — Wearing supportive shoes can help reduce stress on the spine and alleviate back pain.

• Drugs and alcohol — Excessive drug or alcohol use can exacerbate the symptoms of degenerative disc disease and is detrimental to your overall health.

• Excessive caffeine — Excessive caffeine consumption can cause caffeine to leach calcium deposits in your bones and undermine your spinal health. 

Treatment options for degenerative disc disease

Degenerative disc disease treatment aims to relieve symptoms, improve function and slow down the progression of the condition. Treatment options for managing degenerative disc disease include:

• Medications — Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen can help reduce pain and inflammation. For more severe pain, your doctor may prescribe stronger pain relievers or muscle relaxants to alleviate discomfort.

• Physical therapy — Physical therapy can be a valuable tool in managing degenerative disc disease. Your physical therapist will do a thorough evaluation to determine a personalized treatment plan that is intended to reduce pain, improve mobility, strengthen muscles and improve posture. This treatment plan can include using techniques such as:
  • • Therapeutic exercises
    • Manual therapy
    • Electrical stimulation 
    • Aquatic therapy
    • Spinal decompression
      

• Lifestyle modifications — Taking steps to change lifestyle habits can help improve your symptoms and overall quality of life. Modifications you can make include:

• Weight management — Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce stress on the spine and alleviate symptoms.

• Exercises — Walking can be a good exercise for degenerative disc disease. Other low-impact activities can help strengthen back muscles and improve overall spine health.

• Ergonomic adjustments — Making changes to your work environment or daily routines, like using ergonomic chairs and proper lifting techniques, can help manage symptoms.

• Heat and cold therapy — Alternating between heat and cold therapies can help ease symptoms of degenerative disc disease. Applying heat can help relax tense muscles and improve blood flow to the affected area. Applying ice packs can help reduce inflammation and numb the pain during acute episodes.

• Supportive devices — Back braces and orthotics can help provide support and reduce strain.

• Injections — In some cases, your doctor may prescribe epidural steroid injections or facet joint injections. These injections deliver medication directly to the affected area and can relieve localized pain.

• Surgery — If other treatments don’t work, your doctor may recommend surgery. There are several options to consider, including:
  • Spinal fusion
  • Discectomy
  • Foraminotomy
  • Laminotomy
  • Laminectomy
  • Artificial disc replacement

The best treatment approach for managing degenerative disc disease can vary from person to person and depend on the severity of symptoms. The best treatment for you will likely involve a combination of treatments tailored to your specific needs and symptoms. Medication and physical therapy can be the first line of defense, with lifestyle modifications providing additional support. Consulting with your health care provider can determine the best course of action to manage symptoms and improve your quality of life. 

Trust your degenerative disc disease management journey to Lattimore Physical Therapy

At Lattimore Physical Therapy, we specialize in helping patients manage degenerative disc disease with expert care and personalized treatment plans. Our team, which includes over 30 therapists with a Certification in Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy, is dedicated to providing you with the highest level of support and the most effective strategies tailored to meet your specific needs. We are committed to relieving your symptoms, improving your function and improving your quality of life. We can help you on your journey toward better spine health and a more comfortable life. 

Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.