Degenerative Cervical Disc Disease

Degenerative cervical disc disease is a condition and not a disease. While it is small consolation to individuals suffering from the pain and debilitation of degenerative disc disease, the condition improves over time. Pain management, proper body mechanics, physical therapy and appropriate self-care measures make coping during recovery from degenerative cervical disc disease manageable.

Function

• The lumbar disc functions as a shock absorber between the vertebrae of the spine. It has a series of hard, band like structures called the annulus fibrosis. A jelly like substance, known as the nucleus pulposus, is found within the ring of the annulus fibrosis. The nerves in the lumbar region reach into the outer most layer of healthy annulus fibrosis, or cervical discs.

Cause

• In degenerative cervical disc disease, the disc erodes allowing the nerves to be exposed to the nucleus pulposes. The nucleus pulposes contains proteins that subsequently inflame the nerves, resulting in pain. The disc degeneration also leads to instability of the spine, referred to as micro-motion. Back spasms occur as the body attempts to stabilize the spine and protect it from the micro-motion.

Symptoms

• As the cervical discs degenerate and the nerves are exposed to the nucleus pulposes, the resulting lower back pain will radiate to the hips and down the back of the legs to the top of the knees. The pain is typically worse after an increase in any type of physical activity. Any twisting, bending, heavy lifting and improper body mechanics will result in the pain flaring up for a temporary period.

Time

• Individuals between the ages of 30 and 45 are diagnosed with degenerative cervical disc disease more than any other age group and recover before middle age. The pain typically does not worsen and occurs at intermittent periods. Over time, the back pain decreases as the inflammatory proteins in the nucleus pulposes die off and the nerves in the back are no longer irritated. The annulus fibrosis, or discs, will stiffen and the muscles will no longer spasm in an attempt to stabilize the lumbar region.

Considerations

• Sitting or standing still for extended periods of time, aggravates the back pain caused by degenerative cervical disc disease. Lying down with frequent position changes usually provides the most relief. Individuals who are overweight benefit from shedding pounds, which results in less stress on the spine. Physical therapy, pain medication and acupuncture are effective for individuals whose discomfort prevents them from participating in their activities of daily living. Emergency medical treatment must be sought if a loss of bladder and bowel control occurs, and numbness or weakness occurs in the legs.