Despite its name, degenerative disk disease (DDD) is not actually a disease. Rather, this condition occurs as you age and the rubbery disks between the vertebrae of your spine begin to break down, which is called degeneration.
In a young and healthy spine, your spinal disks (also known as the intervertebral disks) act as shock absorbers for the bones. As you get older, the disks wear away, which can lead to bones rubbing against each other, causing pain. The edges of your vertebrae can form bone spurs, which then press against the nerve roots in your spine. This can cause pain or numbness in your back and in your arms or legs. Over time, this can lead to spinal stenosis. DDD can also lead to bulging or herniated disks in your spine.
Degenerative disk disease is most common in your neck (cervical spine) and your lower back (lumbar spine). Although disks also break down in your middle back (thoracic spine), it is rare for this condition to cause problems in that area.
At the UK HealthCare Comprehensive Spine Center, within one comprehensive program, you have access to all our specialties: physical medicine and rehabilitation, interventional pain medicine, orthopaedic surgery and neurosurgery. You will be evaluated at your initial appointment to determine the best treatment path for your specific needs.
You can have disk degeneration without having symptoms; however, the most common symptom of degenerative disk disease is neck or lower back pain. The pain may come and go, or it may be constant. It may be worse after sitting, standing or bending. Pain can be aching, stabbing or simply sore. The condition can affect your ability to perform daily activities, exercise or even sleep.
If you have cervical degenerative disk disease, you may also have some of these symptoms:
- Headaches
- Limited range of motion when trying to move your head
- Numbness or tingling in your arms or hands
- Pain that radiates down your arms and hands
- Weakness of your arms and hands
- Shoulder pain
- Stiffness in your neck
If you have lumbar degenerative disk disease, you may also have:
- Muscle spasms
- Numbness or tingling in your buttocks, legs or feet
- Pain that radiates down your buttocks or thighs
- Problems with bladder or bowel control
- Stiffness in your lower back
- Weakness in the legs
If you have sudden urinary incontinence or weakness, you should seek emergency medical care.
Degenerative disk disease is most often caused by aging, but it can also be worsened by injury to the spine. Although the condition is common, some people are at a higher risk for it. Risk factors include:
- Chronic inflammation
- Genetics
- Obesity
- Occupations with repetitive heavy lifting or long periods of sitting, such as truck driving
- Smoking
Some research has found symptoms of the condition are more common in women. Newer research suggests that neck strain from bending your head forward to stare at electronic devices may also be a possible risk factor.
Your journey to better spine health begins at home. Before you visit UK HealthCare for spine pain, we review your medical records. We may contact you with follow-up questions. We then discuss your case as a team. Based on these conversations, we determine which specialists will best meet your needs.
Next, we schedule your appointment. To provide you with the best care possible, you may need to meet with multiple providers. This helps us meet all your care needs in a timely manner.
During your first visit, we answer questions and provide information to help you better understand your condition. We also work to find out what is causing your symptoms and develop a treatment plan.
In most cases, we start with non-surgical treatment, such as lifestyle changes and physical therapy. Spine issues that don’t improve with this approach may require other treatment, including pain management and surgical intervention.
When coming to your first appointment, plan to do the following:
- Arrive early. You may need to fill out paperwork when you arrive. Getting to your appointment early gives you time to complete paperwork without feeling rushed.
- Bring a current list of medicines or supplements you take. You should also list any surgeries you’ve had, symptoms you’ve experienced and other past health issues.
- Dress comfortably. Working toward a diagnosis takes time. Comfortable clothes help you stay relaxed and attentive throughout your visit. They also make it easier to perform your physical exam.
- Eat and drink as directed. You may need to have imaging or other tests during your first visit. If you need to adjust your eating, drinking or medicines before a test, a team member will call to explain what you need to do leading up to your visit.
- Have your insurance information on hand. UK HealthCare accepts most insurers, and financial assistance is available.
- Bring a family member or friend with you. This person can help take notes and ask questions you may not think of asking.