Degenerative Disc Disease Treatment in Dripping Springs, TX

What Is Degenerative Disc Disease?

Degenerative disc disease is a term used to describe the natural breakdown of spinal discs that occurs with age. The intervertebral discs sit between the vertebrae and function as shock absorbers for the spine, allowing you to bend, twist, and move with flexibility. Over time, these discs can lose hydration and elasticity, making them less able to cushion the vertebrae effectively.

Degenerative disc disease most commonly affects the cervical spine (neck) and the lumbar spine (lower back), though degenerative changes can occur anywhere along the spinal column. When the outer portion of a disc bulges, the proteins within the disc space can irritate nearby nerves and trigger inflammation. The outer rings of the disc, called the annulus fibrosus, may also wear down to the point where they can no longer manage the stress placed on the spine, creating movement at the vertebral segment and contributing to pain.

It is worth noting that disc degeneration does not always produce symptoms. Some patients experience significant discomfort while others have little to none, even when imaging shows similar degenerative changes.

Common Symptoms and How Disc Disease Affects the Body

Degenerative disc disease can affect people in very different ways. Symptoms depend on which part of the spine is involved, how far disc degeneration has progressed, and how the nearby nerves are affected. Understanding these common symptoms can help patients recognize when it may be time to speak with a doctor.

• Nagging or severe pain in the lower back, buttocks, or upper thighs
• Neck pain that may radiate into the arms and hands
• Numbness and tingling in the extremities, including the arms, hands, legs, and feet
• Pain that worsens when sitting for extended periods and may ease with movement or walking
• Weakness in the leg muscles, or in more significant cases, foot drop

Beyond these direct symptoms, disc disease that goes unmanaged can contribute to secondary problems over time. Ongoing disc degeneration may lead to spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the spaces around the spinal cord and nerves. It can also contribute to disc herniation, adult scoliosis, or spinal instability, all of which can further affect daily life and daily activities. Other symptoms related to nerve involvement, such as numbness or weakness in the legs or arms, can also develop as disc disease progresses and may affect a patient's ability to perform routine tasks.