Back pain is a frequently occurring problem. Many of the problems that lead to back pain are degenerative in nature and occur over long periods of time. While it is a common notion that some degeneration is normal with age, it is possible to avoid most causes of breakdown with proper care and lifestyle choices. Wear and tear of the bone, ligaments and muscles that support the spine will generally lead to pain, numbness and tingling, inflammation, and loss of function. There are a variety of degenerative diseases that are common causes of pain.
Osteoarthrits
Osteoarthritis is a wear-and-tear breakdown of the bone that occurs when there is improper function in the joint. Over time, all of the supporting structures can change physical properties. The bone itself will develop outgrowths called bone spurs, the ligaments supporting the joint become lax allowing too much motion and the muscles become weak and short. All of these factors lead to poor joint function and eventually osteoarthritis.
Degenerative Disc Disease
Between each set of vertebrae there is a soft spongy disc that is designed to be a shock absorber. The center of each disc is jelly-like and when the tough outer rings that are meant to hold the jelly in place dry out and crack, the center can push out beyond its confines and put pressure on nerves and cause inflammation. The breakdown of these discs is called degenerative disc disease (DDD) and is usually the result of improper motion or biomechanics in the joints of the spine, but according to SpineUniverse.com, even smoking can cause discs to degenerate.
Sciatica
Sciatica is the end result of DDD when one of the discs in the lumbar spine pushes out onto the sciatic nerve. This nerve is the largest nerve in the body and travels from the lumbar spine down the back of the leg. Pressure or irritation of this nerve can cause pain, numbness, or weakness in the leg and back.
Spondylolisthesis
Spondylolisthesis refers to the slipping of one vertebra forward or backward of the one below it. This condition may or may not cause symptoms. Like most degenerative changes, it really depends on whether the slippage has put pressure on a nerve or other nearby structure. Regardless of current symptoms, this problem will definitely cause poor function in the spine and lead to degeneration of the joint surfaces.
Facet Syndrome
Facets are the small joints on the posterior portion of each vertebra where they meet the adjacent vertebra. These joints take a lot of stress and therefore experience a great amount of wear and tear whenever there is improper motion in the spine. The joints will corrode and develop bony outgrowths that can cause pain and stiffness.
