What are the common symptoms of Disc Degeneration?
Disc degeneration usually does not cause symptoms until it has progressed to a certain point. However, there are some symptoms that can indicate that you may have disc degeneration:
- Lower back pain that increases with standing or walking
- Pain that radiates down the leg
- Weakness or numbness in the leg or foot
- Tingling sensation that travels up the leg
- Muscle weakness or spasms
Common Causes of Disc Degeneration
Drying out
The discs are made up of a gel-like liquid that absorbs shock as you move around. When this substance dries out, it loses its ability to hold together and can break apart, causing pain and stiffness.
Injuries
Things like falls and car accidents can cause damage to the discs in your spine, leading to disc degeneration later on down the road.
Cracks
Daily activities and movements can cause cracks in the outer layer of the disc. These small tears allow the inner gel to leak out, causing pain and inflammation.
Known treatments for Disc Degeneration
If other treatments fail, surgery may be needed for more severe cases of disc degeneration where discs have completely collapsed or broken apart.
Over-the-counter Pain Relievers
Ibuprofen (Advil) and acetaminophen (Tylenol) can help reduce inflammation in the affected area.
Physical Therapy
This can help improve strength and flexibility while reducing stiffness in the affected area.
Steroid Shots
These can be used to reduce inflammation of the affected area by injecting steroids directly into the inflamed tissue.