Degenerative Disc Disease: Pros & Cons

Degenerative disc disease is a condition in which the jelly-like discs between the vertebrae in the spine become thin and dry. This thinning creates numerous changes in the spinal column, all of which have the potential to cause mild to severe pain in the back and neck. While the diagnosis of degenerative disc disease can be frightening, there are several positive points to consider.

Progression

• Although a problem related to degenerative disc disease--such as a thin disc that becomes herniated--causes almost immediate pain, the disease itself is not fast acting. Many people have DDD for years or even decades without any significant problems.

Smoking

• If you smoke, you can actually slow the progression of degenerative disc disease by giving up cigarettes. Healthy discs contain a lot of water. Smoking makes them dry out faster.

Pain Management

• Mild to moderate pain from degenerative disc disease can be managed with exercise, massage, chiropractic care or drugs.

Surgery

• When pain is severe, surgical techniques are available. Herniated discs often can be fixed with out-patient surgery. If the degeneration of a disc is severe, the two vertebrae around the deteriorated disc can be surgically fused together to create one "new" disc.

Warnings

• See a doctor if pain is severe, causes numbness or travels down the leg.