Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) is one of the most common spinal conditions that affects older adults, yet it is often mistaken for general back pain.DDD refers to the gradual breakdown of the intervertebral discs, the cushions between your vertebrae that provide flexibility and absorb shock.
As these discs lose hydration and elasticity over time, the space for spinal nerves can narrow, leading to discomfort, pain, and sometimes complications like herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or spondylolisthesis.
Although degenerative disc disease is a natural part of aging, that does not mean you have to live with its symptoms. At CalSpine MD, we specialize in diagnosing and managing spinal disorders like DDD.
Our spine specialist, Dr. Hieu Ball, offers detailed evaluation and a full range of treatment options for your condition. His patient-focused approach is centered on relieving pain, restoring mobility, and helping you get back to the life you enjoy.
Degenerative disc disease is a weakening of one or more vertebral discs, which normally act as a cushion between the vertebrae. It typically begins when small tears appear in the disc wall, called the annulus. These tears can cause pain. When the tears heal, they create scar tissue that is not as strong as the original disc wall.
If the back is repeatedly injured, the process of tearing and scarring may continue, weakening the disc wall. Over time, the nucleus (or center) of the disc becomes damaged and loses some of its water content. This center is called the pulposus, and its water content is needed to keep the disc functioning as a shock absorber for the spine.
When the disc is unable to act as a cushion, the nucleus collapses. As a result, the vertebrae above and below this damaged disc collapse or slide closer together. This improper alignment causes the facet joints (the areas where the vertebral bones touch) to twist into an unnatural position.
In time, this awkward positioning of the vertebrae may create bone spurs. If these spurs grow into the spinal canal, they may pinch the spinal cord and nerves (a condition called spinal stenosis).
Consequently, the spine may be painful, and the entrapment of the nerves may result in shooting pain and/or weakness of the extremities.
This condition can develop as a natural part of the aging process. With aging and repetitive injury to the back, the disc may lose fluid and become dehydrated, causing a loss of the normal shock absorber function of the disc.
These age-related changes can lead to disc herniation, spinal stenosis, scoliosis, instability (spondylolisthesis), and bone spurs, which can put pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots.
Degenerative disc disease can occur in the neck (cervical spine) and back (lumbar spine).
Sitting upright puts the most pressure on the disc and may worsen symptoms, while lying down tends to relieve the pain.
During your consultation, Dr. Ball will ask you questions about your medical history and your symptoms. He will ask you where the pain started, which part of your spine hurts, if the pain has spread to other parts of your body, if you have had past spine injuries, and if you have a family history of similar problems.
We will also conduct a physical examination, looking for signs of pain in your lower back or neck, and asking you to walk or bend to see which movements cause pain. We test your strength, sensation, and reflexes to focus on the precise diagnosis of your condition.
Imaging studies may be ordered to confirm your diagnosis, which will then allow for the correct treatment recommendations.
Non-surgical treatment options for degenerative disc disease include:
There are several surgical treatment options available for degenerative disc disease. These may include:
After surgery, the recovery process can vary based on the type of procedure done.
Procedures involving a spinal fusion will typically have longer recovery times, as it can take weeks to months for the bones to completely fuse together. Generally, most patients are able to return to all normal activities within a few weeks of surgery, while the soft tissue and bony healing are taking place.
Physical therapy is usually part of the postoperative treatment plan for most procedures, and this typically runs for four to six weeks after surgery.
Living with chronic back pain or limited mobility caused by degenerative disc disease can take a toll on your daily life. Whether you are just starting to notice symptoms or have been managing discomfort for years, expert care can make all the difference.
At CalSpine MD, we are committed to helping you find relief and regain control over your spine health.
For appointments, please call us at (925) 838-8830 or request an appointment online.
On average, degenerative disc disease can begin in one’s thirties, depending on the history of activity and trauma during one’s lifetime. A single traumatic event, or repetitive trauma, may cause this condition to occur at a younger age.
Degenerative disc disease does not “spread” in the way infections do, but it can affect multiple levels of the spine over time. As the spine undergoes age-related wear and tear, adjacent discs and joints may also begin to degenerate, especially if abnormal movement or alignment puts added stress on those areas. This progression can lead to related conditions such as facet joint arthritis, spinal stenosis, or herniated discs at different levels of the spine.
Fortunately, most of the time, the symptoms are short-lived and could get better either on their own or with physical therapy, over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications, or other types of pain medications. Regular monitoring and early management can help slow progression and relieve discomfort. Occasionally, the condition may require more advanced treatment.
Aerobic exercises, including walking, swimming, or taking low-impact aerobics classes, are all good exercises for managing degenerative disc disease. Yoga, Pilates, and core strengthening exercises are excellent for conditioning and preventing the development of DDD. These exercises help relieve pain, promote a healthy body weight, and improve overall strength and mobility
When a degenerated disc collapses or directly impinges on a nerve root in the lower back or neck, it can cause a form of sciatica or shooting pain into the arm/forearm/hand.
A discectomy is done to treat problems related to the vertebral discs, and a laminectomy is done to treat problems associated with the back of the vertebrae, causing stenosis. While both surgeries relieve pressure on the nerves and the spinal cord, they differ in that they address different structures of the spine. Dr. Ball often performs these procedures in an outpatient setting.
