DEGENERATIVE DISC DISEASE (DDD)?

Degenerative Disc Disease or DDD is typically not a disease but a serious medical condition. It is also known as spondylosis. A patient typically suffers from this disorder when the intervertebral discs are damaged. When a patient suffers from degenerative disc disease he will surely suffer from severe neck pain as well as back pain. In most cases the person will also suffer stiffness in back and neck and when the condition is left untreated over a period of time, the pain starts radiating to the shoulders, arms, legs, hand, head as well as feet.

Degenerative Disc Disease Causes

The main cause of this disease is usually growing older. With the body growing older it is natural that the intervertebral discs in the back lose their agility, flexibility and tenacity. Apart from this, another important DDD cause is an injury to the back.

Degenerative Disc Disease Symptoms

As already mentioned, the most general and major DDD symptoms include back pain, leg pain and neck pain. The suffering person experience stiffness in his neck, back and shoulders and also have functional problems like difficulty in walking. Tingling and numbness in legs and buttocks is also an important Degenerative Disc Disease symptom.

Degenerative Disc Disease Diagnosis

Usually, doctors start the DDD diagnosis process with a physical examination where he focuses on the back and lower extremities the most. Next is in depth knowledge of your medical history as well as a complete study of your symptoms that include pain, tingling or weakness. Doctors can also go for imaging test to know the extent as well as area of the problems these test includes X-ray, MRI or Magnetic resonance imaging as well CAT scan.

Degenerative Disc Disease Treatment

DDD treatment options include surgical, non-surgical as well medications options. Medications for DDD include NSAIDs, muscle relaxants, pain relievers as well as spinal injections. Non- surgical options include physical therapy, chiropractic as well as acupuncture. Surgical options include discectomy and fusion, corpectomy, facetectomy and laminotomy.