Degenerative Disc Disease

Description of Degenerative Disc Disease

Lumbar

As we age, the water and protein content of the body's cartilage changes. This change results in weaker, more fragile and thin cartilage.Click here to learn about
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to repair degenerated discs Because both the discs and the joints that stack the vertebrae (facet joints) are partly composed of cartilage, these areas are subject to wear and tear over time (degenerative changes). The gradual deterioration of the disc between the vertebrae is referred to as Degenerative Disc Disease.

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Degeneration of the disc is medically referred to as spondylosis. Spondylosis can be noted on x-ray tests or MRI scanning of the spine as a narrowing of the normal "disc space" between the adjacent vertebrae. An MRI scan may show the early changes of a loss of water content in the disc.

Degeneration of the disc tissue makes the disc more susceptible to herniation. Degeneration of the disc can cause local pain in the affected area. Any level of the spine can be affected by disc degeneration. When disc degeneration affects the spine of the neck, it is referred to as cervical disc disease. When the mid-back is affected, the condition is referred to as thoracic disc disease.

Disc degeneration that affects the lumbar spine is referred to as lumbago. Lumbago causes pain localized to the low back and is common in older persons.

Disc degeneration can occur at any level of the spine and can cause local pain in the affected area with radiation of pain along the nerves emerging from the spinal canal at that level. Symptomatic lumbar disc degeneration is most common in people of working age, usually between 30 and 50.

At Laser Spine Institute (LSI), the pain and symptoms of Degenerative Disc Disease can be alleviated through minimally invasive arthroscopic, laser surgery in an outpatient surgical center.

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animation of an LSI
procedure to correct Degenerative Disc Disease

Causes of Degenerative Disc Disease

Several factors, including genetic factors and changes in hydration and collagen, are believed to play a role in the development of degenerative disc disease.Contact Laser Spine
Institute today! As we age, the water and protein content of the body's cartilage changes. This change results in weaker, more fragile and thinner cartilage. Because both the discs and the joints that stack the vertebrae (facet joints) are partly composed of cartilage, these areas are subject to wear and tear over time (degenerative changes), known as degenerative disc disease.

The vertebrae of the spinal column are separated from each other by cartilaginous cushions known as intervertebral discs. The discs provide structural support to the spine and act as shock absorbers, taking in the stress created by movement. The discs are mostly water, allowing them to be very elastic and absorb stress. However, age, repetitive strain, and (possibly) genetics cause disc wear and tear. Because there is little blood supply to the disc, it cannot repair itself if injured.

Symptoms of Degenerative Disc Disease

Degenerative disc disease can produce pain as a worn disc becomes thin, narrowing the space between the vertebrae. With less space available, nerves may become compressed, causing them to swell and signal pain. Pieces of the damaged disc may also break off and cause irritation of the nerves. As the disc loses its ability to absorb stress and provide support, other parts of the spine become overloaded, thus leading to irritation, inflammation, fatigue, muscle spasms, and back pain.

The amount of pain from degenerative disc disease can vary from naggingly irritating to severely debilitating. Most patients have some underlying chronic low back pain with intermittent episodes of severe pain. Usually, sitting worsens the pain more than standing. Bending, twisting, and lifting generally worsen the pain and lying down reduces it by relieving the strain on the disc space.

In addition to back pain, there may also be pain, numbness, and tingling in the legs if the disc degeneration is located in the lower spine. Pain in the neck, shoulder blades, arms, and hands as well as numbness and tingling in the shoulder and arms may be present for disc degeneration in the upper spine. Thorasic or mid back pain radiates around the rib cage.

Degenerative disc disease can cause local pain in the affected area. Any level of the spine can be affected by disc degeneration. When disc degeneration affects the spine of the neck, it is referred to as cervical degenerative disc disease. When the mid-back is affected, the condition is referred to as thoracic degenerative disc disease. Disc degeneration that affects the lumbar spine has been previously referred to as lumbago. Lumbago causes pain localized to the low back and is common in older persons.

Treatment of Degenerative Disc Disease

Recommended treatment is generally open back surgery, with high risks, hospital stays and lengthy recuperation time.

Laser Spine Institute (LSI) has minimally invasive, out-patient procedures, laser-assisted, that can help relieve the symptoms of degenerative disc disease and leave the patient free of pain. These procedures are called Percutaneous Arthroscopic Discectomy, Foraminotomy or Laminotomy.

These laser spine procedures will remove the portion of the disc or bone spur that is pressing against nerve(s) causing the symptoms of degenerative disc disease. By removing or shrinking the disc or bone spur with the laser we can decompress the spinal Read real testimonials
from real patientscord or nerve root that is being impinged. At this point excess disc material is removed and the symptoms of degenerative disc disease generally disappear.

Once the procedure is complete, the patient (with a companion) is free to go after 1 - 2 hours of monitoring. We generally encourage patients to take a long walk the afternoon or evening of their procedure. The patient then returns the following day for a post-operative visit to get clearance from the doctor to return home.