Degenerative disc disease is actually a misnomer for the condition. According to Cedars-Sinai, it is "not actually a disease, degenerative disc disease refers to a condition in which pain is caused from a damaged disc." The degeneration of a spinal disc takes many years, and can result in varying levels of pain.
Stages of Degeneration
According to Cedars-Sinai, degenerative disc diseases go through three stages of degeneration over a period of 20 to 30 years. The first stage is acute pain in the back, which makes it difficult for the patient to move. The second stage of degeneration results in instability in the bone where it was injured; this results in back pain that comes in cycles. The last stage of degeneration occurs when the body stabilizes to the injured segment of the back; less back pain occurs as a result.
Causes
Activity is the largest cause of degenerative disc diseases, according to Cedars-Sinai. These include daily activities or sports that result in a tear in the outer core of the spinal disc. In addition, the swelling and instability from injuries can also add to a person's risk of developing a degenerative disc disease. According to Cedars-Sinai, age is also a factor in degenerative disc disease. At birth, a spinal disc is 80 percent water; however, the disc dries out with age, leaving it susceptible to injury.
Symptoms
Pain is the most prevalent symptom of degenerative disc diseases, according to Cedars-Sinai. The patient will feel the worst pain when sitting, bending, lifting or twisting; the pain can be alleviated when the patient is walking or changing position. In addition, the severe pain can come and go, and the pain is located in the lower back, but, thighs and neck. Besides the pain, additional symptoms of degenerative disc diseases include weakness, numbness and tingling, according to Cedars-Sinai.
