Degenerative disc disease is a term that is used to describe the normal changes in the spinal discs of a person as he grows old. Spinal discs are compressible soft discs that separate the interlocking bones which make up the spine. The discs act as shock absorbents for the spine thus allowing it to be flexible, bend, and twist. Degenerative disc disease can occur throughout the spine, but it most often occurs in the discs of the lower back and neck.
The changes in the discs can result in back or neck pain or even serious problems like:
• Osteoarthritis
• Herniated disc
• Spinal stenosis
These conditions may put pressure on the spinal cord and nerves causing pain and may even affect the nerve function.
Common symptoms include:
• Pain that gets worse when sitting.
• Pain that gets worse when bending, lifting or twisting
• Periods of severe pain that come and goes.
• Pain can affect the low back, buttocks and thighs or the neck, depending on where the affected disc is, radiating to the arms and hands
• Numbness and tingling in the extremities
• Feeling better changing positions often or lying down
• Weakness in the leg muscles or foot drop
Different factors can cause disc degeneration, age being a major one. Specific factors include:
• Drying of disc fluid: When we are born, the disc is about 80% water. As we age, the disc dries out and doesn't absorb shocks as well
• Injuries that can cause swelling, soreness and instability.
• Daily activities and sports cause tears in the outer core of the disc.
Exercises:
Different types of exercises are recommended, each depending on the patient's diagnosis. Floor exercises like abdominal bracing, double-knee-to-chest or low back stretches, extension exercises, modified sit-ups, knee-to-elbow exercises, seat lifts, mountain and sag exercises, hamstring stretches, and extension flexibility exercises.
Swimming exercises are some of the best activities for back pain. Aerobic exercises improve endurance if performed regularly. Relaxation exercises are good for relieving muscular tension that may aggravate back pain.
The changes in the discs can result in back or neck pain or even serious problems like:
• Osteoarthritis
• Herniated disc
• Spinal stenosis
These conditions may put pressure on the spinal cord and nerves causing pain and may even affect the nerve function.
Common symptoms include:
• Pain that gets worse when sitting.
• Pain that gets worse when bending, lifting or twisting
• Periods of severe pain that come and goes.
• Pain can affect the low back, buttocks and thighs or the neck, depending on where the affected disc is, radiating to the arms and hands
• Numbness and tingling in the extremities
• Feeling better changing positions often or lying down
• Weakness in the leg muscles or foot drop
Different factors can cause disc degeneration, age being a major one. Specific factors include:
• Drying of disc fluid: When we are born, the disc is about 80% water. As we age, the disc dries out and doesn't absorb shocks as well
• Injuries that can cause swelling, soreness and instability.
• Daily activities and sports cause tears in the outer core of the disc.
Exercises:
Different types of exercises are recommended, each depending on the patient's diagnosis. Floor exercises like abdominal bracing, double-knee-to-chest or low back stretches, extension exercises, modified sit-ups, knee-to-elbow exercises, seat lifts, mountain and sag exercises, hamstring stretches, and extension flexibility exercises.
Swimming exercises are some of the best activities for back pain. Aerobic exercises improve endurance if performed regularly. Relaxation exercises are good for relieving muscular tension that may aggravate back pain.
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