Signs & Symptoms of Disc Disease

According to Cedars Sinai Hospital, degenerative disc disease affects the soft cushions known as discs that are found between the vertebrae in the spine. Over time these discs begin to wear out, and since there is a low level of blood being supplied to the discs they are unable to heal. The signs and symptoms of degenerative disc disease come in stages. Treatment of degenerative disc disease includes physical therapy, pain medication and surgery. Surgical procedures include removing the portion of the disc that is pressing out of the spine and putting pressure on the nerves, or the complete removal of the disc along with the fusing together of the vertebrae.

Pain

• The pain associated with degenerative disc disease depends on what discs are affected. As a disc degenerates it begins to rupture and push out of the spine and on to the surrounding nerves. This is referred to as a herniated disc. A herniated disc in the neck can cause neck pain, shoulder pain, arm pain and pain in the hands. The pain can be as specific as one or two fingers on one hand depending on which side of the spine the disc is pushing on a what nerve it is hitting. A degenerated disc in the middle of the back can cause pain in the middle of the back or the shoulder blades. A herniated disc in the lower back can push on the sciatic nerve, which travels down your legs and is the largest nerve in the body. This will result in lower back and leg pain, usually in one leg.

Stiffness

• According to Cedars Sinai Hospital, as a disc degenerates it can become very difficult to bend your back. You may feel stiffness in the back, or you may feel severe pain when you try to bend.

Tingling

• As degenerative disc disease progresses the pain will progress to a tingling sensation. It will be akin to a series of needles pressing into your skin. This tingling may spread if the condition continues to worsen.

Bowel Control

• According to Health Communities.com a degenerative disc can begin to affect the nerves in your digestive system and cause you to lose control of your bladder and your bowels.