An intervertbral disc which is called a degenerative disc disease or DDD, this disc is located in the spine. It is a common disorder of the lower spine. It can lead to a much worse condition called spinal stenosis which happens when the spinal canal that holds the spinal cord and roots begins to narrow. From DDD you may also get spondylolisthesis which is the frontward slippage of the disc and vertebra and retrolisthesis which is the backward slippage of the disc and vertebra. DDD is not really classified as a disease, it is a  degenerative condition that depending on the person can be rather painful and may cause disability.

Bone spurs can also stem from degenerative disc disease, bone spurs grow next to the discs and they can pinch or put pressure on the nerves in the spinal canal. Degenerative disc disease gets worse and progresses with aging. The aging of the body has consequences on certain areas and the back is one of them. This is when the discs in the spine become dehydrated and they lose their function in acting as shock absorbers between the vertebras. The bones and the ligaments that were once strong will become soft and flexible . The blood supply in this area is lacking so the injuries cannot repair themselves. So the damage would be permanent.

Symptoms of degenerative disc disease are chronic lower back pain that can sometimes be felt in the hips. You may also experience an aching pain in the buttocks or thigh area when walking. You can experience tingling or weakness in the knees. You will feel these symptoms when standing, walking, bending and lifting.

Treatment options can be successful without surgery. Physical therapy and medications that include anti-inflammatories can be a great help in decreasing the pain. Spinal injections and chiropractic treatment can alleviate the pain as well.  Glucosamine and Vitamin C pills can help with the repair of the discs, the discs themselves can be repaired, however if  the disease gets to severe that the blood cells cannot repair themselves, surgery could be an option. If the pain persists more than 2 or 3 months surgery may be the only means of repair.

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