Degenerative Disc Disease of the Lower Back

Degenerative disk disease usually causes lower back pain. According to the Merck Manual of Medical Information, four out of five people at some time during their lives will have lower back pain. In cases that cause significant pain, research indicates half the sufferers are free of pain within 1 week and 90 percent get better without medical treatment in 6 to 12 weeks (see Resources).

Causes

• Degenerative disk disease is caused by osteoarthritis, leading to deterioration in the cartilage covering the spinal vertebrae. Simple wear and tear over the years causes the spaces between disks to narrow and thereby compress the roots of the spinal nerves.

Symptoms

• Symptoms of degenerative disk disease can range from nonexistent to extreme pain. There may be a pattern of minor low back complaints leading up to traumatic lower back stress or a sudden attack with no warning.

Diagnosis

• Physical examination including specific maneuvers may narrow the diagnosis. X-rays usually can locate a herniated disk (actual rupture of the disk covering). An MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) may be needed for more exact diagnosis.

Treatment

• Bed rest for no more than a few days in a fetal position or on the back with knees supported by a pillow may relieve some pain but probably will not shorten the duration. Pain that persists should be seen by a doctor.

Prevention/Solution

• Regular exercise, both aerobic and muscle-strengthening in specific areas, can decrease strains on the spine and disks. A recommended book is Robin McKenzie's "Treat Your Own Back."Lifting properly, maintaining bone density and a desirable weight lessens the occurrence of lower back problems.