Degenerative disc disease, or spondylosis, is a condition which causes the gradual deterioration of the spinal discs. The breakdown of these vertebral shock absorbers can lead to many complications. The discs may bulge, putting pressure on spinal nerves and nerve roots, or cause the facet joints that stack the vertebrae to rub against one another. As a person ages, the spinal discs shrink due to fluid loss. Complications of degenerative disc disease can be debilitating.
Pain
The most often complained of complication with degenerative disc disease is pain. Standing, sitting, lifting, bending or twisting can cause the pain to worsen. The worst possible position for pain relief is sitting, however, since sitting compresses the vertebrae. Patients may feel better lying down or walking. The pain can be chronic, meaning long-term, or acute and only flareup from time to time. Pain that centers in the lower back or shoots down both legs and includes the buttocks is called sciatica, states the Mayfield Clinic, a Cincinnati-based neurological surgery center.
Radiculopathy
Degenerative disc disease can cause bone spurs when vertebrae begin to rub together. As the bone breaks down from constant rubbing and friction, the body understands that more bone is needed. The body generates more bone in the form of bone spurs. The bone spurs tend to be spiky and sharp, which in turn, pinches and damages nerves and results in numbness, tingling and loss of muscle control in the extremities. Pain results and affects areas of the body that correspond to the damaged or pinched nerves, reports the website Radiculopathy.
Range of Motion
As discs breakdown, the gel-like substance leaks out of the discs and causes them to swell and hurt. The sufferer may find that many movements are painful. Normal movement of the arms, legs and back radiates pain and patients find everyday activities too irritating to complete. Assistive devices may become necessary or assistance in the form of a caretaker may be needed.
Patients with degenerative disc disease may also experience footdrop, a condition in which the nerves in the spinal column become damaged. It causes plantar flexion of the foot, which resembles pointy toes, according to Cedars-Sinai.
Injuries
Because degenerative disc disease causes instability in the spinal column, patients may be more prone to injuries, according to Cedars-Sinai.
