What is degenerative disc disease (DDD)?
Degenerative disc disease is basically arthritis of the disc. The disc serves as a “cushion” between the bones of the spine. With age, stress and strain, these disc can become arthritic and “wear out.” In this situation, these discs are termed degenerative. The first line of treatment is conservative treatment, which often includes anti-flammatory medications, physical therapy and a back education class to strengthen and stabilize the spine. Patients learn how to prevent placing great amounts of stress on the back and how to lift properly, which can protect the back. In patients where the conservative treatment fails, we will often have to perform a fusion where we remove the disc and the arthritis and fuse one bone to its adjacent segment to alleviate the stress and the painful disc.
Degenerative Disc Disease refers to the loss of loss of hydration in the disc and weakening of the annulus (outer lining of the disc). Trauma can cause the annulus to tear and disc material leaks out and presses on a nerve. Degenerative disc disease is very common in the human population but is not always symptomatic.
