Most of us have done it before; you lifted something heavy, spent too much time at your desk or just slept in a strange position. You stand up and feel it: a twinge in the back or neck.
The occasional twinge is easy enough to shrug off. But what happens when back or neck pain keeps returning? You may start wondering if something more is going on.
One common explanation for continuing neck and back pain is degenerative disc disease; a name that sounds more alarming than it often is. Michael Musacchio, MD, a neurosurgeon at Endeavor Health, walks us through this diagnosis and how it’s often treated.
What is degenerative disc disease?
“Despite its name, degenerative disc disease isn't really a ‘disease’ in the traditional sense,” explained Dr. Musacchio. “The term describes age-related changes in the discs between the bones in your spine, called vertebrae.
Imagine the discs as small cushions between your vertebrae that absorb shock and let your spine bend, twist and move. Over time, these discs can lose water, becoming thinner and less flexible. Sometimes, small cracks can form in the outer part of a disc.
“These changes can be a normal part of aging,” said Dr. Musacchio. “In fact, many people have disc degeneration without experiencing any symptoms at all.”
What are the symptoms of degenerative disc disease?
For those who do experience symptoms, the most common one is pain and discomfort that might come and go, or get better or worse with sitting, bending, lifting or other activities.
If a damaged or bulging disc irritates a nearby nerve, symptoms can travel into an arm or leg, causing tingling, numbness or weakness.
“Symptoms can vary considerably from person to person,” said Dr. Musacchio. “That's why a thorough evaluation by a neurosurgeon is important, especially if your pain is persistent or affecting your daily activities.”
What causes degenerative disc disease?
Aging is the biggest factor. Just as joints, muscles and other tissues change over time, spinal discs can gradually wear down.
Other factors can contribute, including previous injuries to the spine, repetitive physical stress, smoking and being overweight. Genetics may also play a role, meaning some people are more prone to disc degeneration than others.
“Seeing ‘degenerative disc disease’ on an imaging report doesn't necessarily mean it is the source of your pain,” explained Dr. Musacchio. “A neurosurgeon will look at your symptoms, along with a physical examination and imaging, to get a complete picture and determine your diagnosis.”
How is degenerative disc disease treated?
The good news is that treatment doesn't automatically mean surgery. In fact, most people with symptomatic degenerative disc disease are initially treated with nonsurgical approaches.
Some people manage their symptoms with exercise, diet and lifestyle changes to help manage their weight and strengthen their back.
When lifestyle adjustments aren’t enough, treatment options may include physical therapy, medications for pain or inflammation, or spinal injections in select cases. With spinal injections, a doctor typically injects either a steroid to combat inflammation, or an anesthetic to block pain signals, from the nerve.
If symptoms don't improve with conservative treatment, or if there is significant nerve compression, surgery can be an option. Surgical options depend on the location and severity of the problem and can include procedures such as spinal fusion or artificial disc replacement.
“Degenerative disc disease is pretty common, and there are a lot of different treatment options to help ease any pain or discomfort,” said Dr. Musacchio.
“If persistent back or neck pain is getting in the way of everyday life, schedule an evaluation with a neurosurgeon so they can help get you the right diagnosis and determine which treatment makes the most sense for you.”
Related Articles
