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Degenerative Disc Disease (spondylosis)

What is Spondylosis (Degenerative Disc Disease)

As we age, the water and protein content of the body's cartilage changes, making the cartilage more fragile, thin and weak. Because both the discs and joints that stack the vertebrae (facet joints) are partially composed of cartilage, these areas are subject to wear and tear, or degenerative changes, over time. The gradual deterioration of discs between vertebrae is referred to as degenerative disc disease.

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

This color-enhanced sagital (lateral) MRI image of the cervical spine shows severe multilevel degenerative changes of the spine with spinal cord compression.

 

When Degenerative Disc Disease Progresses

Degeneration of the disc tissue makes the disc more susceptible to herniation and can cause local pain in the affected area. Disc degeneration can occur at any level of the spine, possibly causing pain in the affected area with radiating pain along the nerves emerging from the spinal canal at that level. When disc degeneration affects the neck, it is referred to as cervical disc disease.

Disc degeneration that affects the lumbar spine is referred to as lumbago, which causes pain that is localized to the low back. Symptomatic lumbar disc degeneration is most common in people of working age, usually between 30 and 50.

Your Next Steps...

If you're concerned that you are showing signs of degenerative disc disease and would like to confirm your suspicions, take a moment to visit our symptoms page.

It is important to know what activities, if not performed with caution, can lead to degenerative disc disease, as one of the best ways to prevent this condition is to know how it develops. We suggest you take a few moments to review our page dedicated to the cause of degenerative disc disease.

Degenerative Disc Disease Animation

If you're concerned that you are showing signs of degenerative disc disease and would like to confirm your suspicions, take a moment to visit our symptoms page.

It is important to know what activities, if not performed with caution, can lead to degenerative disc disease, as one of the best ways to prevent this condition is to know how it develops. We suggest you take a few moments to review our page dedicated to the cause of degenerative disc disease.

Please note: Laser Spine Institute currently does not perform endoscopic procedures on the thoracic spine.