Degenerative disc disease, a condition that emerges when the cushion between your vertebrae in the spine starts to wear off, typically after the age of 40. The symptoms associated with the disease begin to manifest. This cushion’s role is to absorb shock, facilitate flexible movement, and aid in the twisting of the spine. However, with progressive age and overuse, this cushion starts to degrade. This leads to the rubbing of vertebrae together, causing pain, a slipped disk, and spondylolisthesis, among other issues. In this blog, we will delve into degenerative disc disease and its symptoms, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis for proactive management.
Causes of Degenerative Disc Disease
Depending upon the area of impact, the disease can be divided into the following three types,
- Cervical Degenerative Disc Disease: When the disease occurs in the first seven vertebrae of the cervical spine, it is known as cervical degenerative disc disease. This part of the spine supports all the functions associated with the neck, including looking up, down, and sideways.
- Lumbar Degenerative Disc Disease: The lower spine, with five vertebrae, is known as the lumbar spine. Therefore, when the disease occurs in this part of the spine, it is known as Lumbar degenerative disc disease. The majority of degenerative disc disease occurs in the lumbar part of the spine.
- Multilevel Degenerative Disc Disease: When more than one vertebrae are affected by the disease, it is known as multilevel degenerative disc disease. Disease occurring in any part of the spine is a serious concern and requires immediate medical attention. This is where the expertise of a spine specialist like Dr Uday Meghnathi, the best spine specialist in Vadodara, comes into play. His fully equipped clinic with all modern amenities and an expert staff, combined with his years of experience and proven track record, ensures that you are in good hands. To get a quick and effective solution to your concern, call to book an appointment.
Symptoms of Degenerative Disc Disease
Your spinal disc is a soft cushion that provides flexibility and works as a shock absorber. It contains water at its core, which dries up with age and leads to thinning of the cushion. Therefore, at old age, it fails to function adequately and results in pain and discomfort. Another reason for degenerative disc disease is injuries. Minor injuries can lead to small cracks and tears, often near the nerves. If the outer wall of the rubbery disc cracks open, it can lead to the herniation or bulging of the disc. Other factors that contribute to the risk of developing degenerative disc disorder are smoking, obesity, gender, and overuse. For instance, smoking reduces the oxygen supply to the spine, leading to faster degeneration. Obesity puts extra stress on the spine, accelerating wear and tear. There are many diseases that one can develop due to degenerative disc disorder, such as osteoarthritis, scoliosis, and spinal stenosis, etc.
Treatment of Degenerative Disc Disease
While degenerative disc disease can cause a lot of pain, discomfort, and restricted mobility, among other issues, it’s important to remember that there are numerous treatment options available. These include physical therapy, medications, steroid injection, radiofrequency neurotomy, and more. For the best spine-related treatment, visit Dr Uday Meghnathi, a top orthopedic doctor in Vadodara. His expertise and experience in the field have been profoundly visible and have helped many patients with their diseases. He ensures that all patients walk happily from his facility. Call us to book an appointment for you and take the first step towards a pain-free life.
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