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Degenerative Disc Disease Symptoms

Degenerative disc disease symptoms include varying levels of pain as worn spinal discs become thin and the space between the vertebrae narrows. With less space available, nerves in and around the spinal canal 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 a degenerated 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 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.

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In addition to an aching back, degenerative disc disease symptoms may also include 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. Thoracic, 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 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.

If you have been living with these symptoms for a while now, you know how much it can limit your life. Degenerative disc disease treatment is handled by Laser Spine Institute through a revolutionary, minimally invasive, outpatient surgical process. This gentle, laser assisted procedure helps you avoid lengthy hospital stays and long, painful recoveries.

We would like you to feel free to contact us if you still have any remaining questions about degenerative disc disease symptoms or if you would like more information on how LSI can help you get your life back.

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