There are many causes of low back pain, including injury,
muscle tension or spasm, herniated disc, pinched nerve
and degenerative changes to the spine. Degenerative
Disc Disease or DDD is the gradual process in which
the discs that cushion the vertebrae become damaged
or changed to the extent that symptoms, like lower back
pain, are experienced.
DDD is a relatively common condition; it frequently
isn't severe enough to cause the patient to seek medical
help. Tissue that degenerates in the human body is defined
as that which results in loss of normal function or
changes to the normal structure. The degenerative disc
disease can be present for some time before it can be
seen in an x-ray.
The reason there are discs between each vertebra is
to cushion the spine and prevent bone rubbing on bone.
The discs help to keep the spine flexible and act as
shock-absorbers during activities like running and jumping.
These intervertebral discs are prone to damage and degenerative
changes can be attributed to the aging process as well
as to abuse such as smoking, poor posture and incorrect
lifting and movement techniques. One of the most common
causes of low back pain and DDD is sharply twisting
the torso to the side.
The lumbar spine or lower back supports more than its
fair share of the body's weight and is frequently stressed
by movement. Stress can weaken the disc and cause it
to rupture; this condition is called a herniated disc
or, more commonly, a slipped disc. Part of the disc
tissue pushes out from between the vertebrae and causes
inflammation and irritation to the nerves. The result
of this is low back pain, which may be present as a
dull ache in the lumbar spine or as a sharp pain on
movement; some people experience both types of pain.
Treatment for low back pain has changed dramatically
in recent years. Once bed rest for an extended time
would have been prescribed and sometimes traction of
the spine. These days, bed rest might be needed for
the first 24 to 48 hours after injury but then it is
best to get up and move around. At this point, physical
therapy may be ordered to stretch and strengthen the
muscles of the core or torso, which protect and hold
the spine in place.
Usually a conservative approach is taken to the treatment
of lower back pain and most patients respond to this
type of treatment. Initially, pain medication and maybe
anti-inflammatory drugs may be prescribed. If the pain
continues, x-ray, CT scan or MRI may be done to determine
the cause of the back pain.
After the initial intensity
of the pain has subsided, physical therapy is helpful
to ease tension and spasm in muscles and to teach core
strength exercises. Exercises that stretch the muscles
attached to the lower back and legs are also helpful.
Several alternative treatments can be used to relieve
low back pain.
Spinal surgery is only considered when the symptoms
of degenerative disc disease and low back pain are severe
and remain for an extended time, not responding to the
conservative treatment approach. However, this only
applies to a very small percentage of patients.
In conclusion, degenerative disc disease is quite common,
even expected as we age, but most people experience
no adverse symptoms. A person with some degeneration
of spinal discs may be more prone to injury causing
low back pain. Most patients respond well to conservative
treatment and there are many strategies that can be
employed at home that are also helpful.
