Degenerative Disc Disease

Disc Degeneration

Low back pain can sometimes be traced back to a degenerative disc problem in the spinal column. In order to understand why the pain happens it’s first important to understand how the spinal column is formed. The spinal column is a vertical row of small round bones that are interconnected or articulated so that the bone can bend. Through the center of the these round bones runs the spinal cord which is a bundle of nerves that travels from the base of the brain out to the rest of the body. The spinal column protects the cord and gives the body flexibility and mobility.

Between each of the round bones, called vertebrae, are soft discs. These discs are there to cushion the motion between the bones so there isn’t bone rubbing on bone during motion.

Degenerative changes to the spinal column are common and the intervertebral discs are one structure that is prone to those changes. They are associated with wear and tear, aging and misuse such as smoking. Long before any changes might be evident on imaging studies there are biochemical and structural changes that may seem to be similar to osteoarthritis.

degenerative disc

The term degenerative disc disease refers to the changes to the discs which causes low back pain. But, despite the rather dramatic label, this condition is very common among individuals. It is estimated that approximately 30% of 30 to 50 year old people will have some degree of degeneration of the disc space. And, after a person reaches age 60 this finding is expected and the exception.

Although the description of degenerative disc disease appears to be straight forward there is some degree of disagreement in the medical community about the description and the implications, especially when x-ray findings indicate changes in a young adult. But, while there is some debate about the disease itself it is known how the changes in the spine cause pain.

Generally the pain that is associated with degenerative disc disease and low back pain are thought to stem from two different factors. These factors are the inflammation from the changes to the disc and abnormal micromotion instability.

When inflammation occurs in the body there is release of chemicals that irritates the musculature which results in spasms of the muscles around the area. If one of the out rings of the disc is damaged or worn it isn’t as effective in resisting motion in the spine. This micromotion instability isn’t associated with gross instability such as a slipped disc but still causes pain or discomfort in the area.

Both the micromotion instability and the inflammation cause muscle spasms in the lower back. As the body attempts to stability the lower back the muscles spasm further creating more pain. This cycle is a reflex of the body and although it isn’t necessary to protect the nerve roots it can also be painful and result in an individual who appears crooked from one area of the back to the next as the muscle spasms pull the back out of alignment.

Published by Relief For Back Pain

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