According to Dr. Peter Ullrich, an orthopedic surgeon with NeuroSpine Center of Wisconsin, the term degenerative disk disease is misleadingly ominous. Ullrich notes that this condition is neither a disease nor a guarantee of progressively worsening symptoms, as could be assumed from the word "degenerative." The condition occurs when the shock-absorbing cartilaginous disks that cushion the vertebrae deteriorate over time. This is a natural consequence of aging, and in many persons, degenerative disk disease remains asymptomatic. Others may suffer quite severe symptoms.
Pain
As the intervertebral disks degenerate, they decrease in thickness. The vertebrae become less cushioned, and vertebral erosion can prompt the body to attempt to repair affected areas by increasing bone cell production. Bone spurs, also known as osteophytes, can form and impinge on the nerves of the spine, causing pain.
According to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, pain caused by disk degeneration follows certain patterns. It tends to worsen when the person is sitting, bending, lifting or twisting and ease up when walking, running or changing positions.
Episodes of pain are sporadic and can last from days to months in length. The pain can be mild or severe, and its location is dependent on what area of the spine is affected. Back pain and sciatica are frequent symptoms in those with disk degeneration.
Numbness or Paresthesia
Paresthesia is commonly described as a "pins and needles" sensation. It is a common symptom of nerve irritation. This tingling feeling is sometimes experienced in the extremities of those with degenerative disk disease. Ullrich notes that symptoms of numbness and tingling can occur even when there is no nerve impingement, due to nerve irritation by proteins that are produced within the inflamed disk space.
Muscle Weakness
Researchers Jill Urban and Sally Roberts of the University Laboratory of Physiology at Oxford University conclude that degeneration shortens disk height and can alter the biomechanics of the spinal muscles and ligaments. Muscle weakness or nerve impulse disruption in the legs caused by disk degeneration can result in foot drop, a symptom wherein the individual is unable to adequately lift the ankle and toes and must hoist his leg abnormally high in order to prevent the foot from dragging while walking. When foot drop is present, it may be a sign that the person has incurred nerve root damage.
