The spine consists of 33 individual vertebrae and intervertebral discs that allow for flexibility, support, and spinal cord protection. Despite its resilience, the spine is also vulnerable to wear and tear over time, leading to conditions like degenerative disc disease.
At The Spine Institute of Southeast Texas, board-certified orthopedic surgeon Thomas Jones II, MD, has the expertise to precisely diagnose and treat degenerative disc disease. He focuses on identifying the exact bone or nerve damage, and employs noninvasive treatment options first when possible.
For patients with degenerative disc disease, nonsurgical treatments such as bracing, steroid injections, and physical therapy can often bring relief. In advanced cases that haven’t responded to conservative treatment, Dr. Jones may recommend stabilization surgery.
There are four stages of degenerative disc disease. Here’s what you need to know:
In the initial stage of degenerative disc disease, the discs in your spine begin to lose moisture and elasticity. This leads to minor discomfort, stiffness, and reduced flexibility. While symptoms may be mild, this stage marks the beginning of the degenerative process.
During prolapse, the affected disc starts to bulge out of its normal space, which can lead to more noticeable pain and reduced mobility. This bulging can put pressure on nearby nerves, worsening symptoms.
Extrusion occurs when the disc material pushes through the outer layer of the disc, often causing significant pain and potential nerve involvement. At this stage, the risk of nerve compression increases.
In this final stage, fragments of the disc can break off and move into the spinal canal. This can cause severe pain and nerve damage, often requiring surgical intervention to remove the disc fragments and relieve pressure on the nerves.
It’s important to understand what puts you at risk for this condition. There are several common risk factors for degenerative disc disease:
As you age, the spinal discs naturally lose moisture and elasticity, making them more susceptible to damage. This process, although inevitable, doesn’t mean everyone will experience debilitating symptoms.
However, age remains the most significant risk factor for degenerative disc disease, with many people beginning to notice changes in their spine as they approach middle age.
If degenerative disc disease runs in your family, you may be more likely to develop it yourself. Certain genetic factors can influence how quickly your discs deteriorate and at what age you might begin to experience symptoms.
While you can’t change your genetic makeup, being aware of your family history means you can be proactive in managing your spine health.
Lifestyle choices play a crucial role in spine health. Smoking, for instance, reduces blood flow to the spinal discs, accelerating their degeneration. Carrying excess weight also puts additional stress on your spine, increasing the likelihood of disc degeneration developing.
Strain from the muscles that support the spine is a common cause of pain from degenerative disc disease. Regular exercise is one of the best ways to strengthen the muscles that support your spine and reduce the strain on your discs.
Certain jobs and activities that involve repetitive bending, lifting, or twisting can lead to excessive stress on your spine, contributing to the early onset of degenerative disc disease. Even a single traumatic injury to the spine can accelerate disc degeneration.
It’s important to be mindful of your body mechanics and take precautions to protect your spine, especially if your job involves physical labor.
While some risk factors for degenerative disc disease are beyond your control, you can manage others with lifestyle adjustments and preventive care. Early detection and intervention are key to managing degenerative disc disease and preventing it from progressing to a more severe stage.
If you’re concerned about your risk for degenerative disc disease, or if you have a diagnosis, contact The Spine Institute of Southeast Texas today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Jones. Our goal is to help you regain full functionality and return to a pain-free life as quickly and safely as possible.
