Degenerative disc disease

Degenerative disc disease is not actually a disease. It's a term that describes the natural changes the spinal discs undergo as we age. As a disc degenerates, it may put pressure on the spinal cord and nerves, which often leads to pain and may affect nerve function.

Sooner or later, everyone will experience these changes in their discs, but most people will have no pain. Degenerative disc disease is so common that doctors say it is a "natural part of aging." Well, so was osteoporosis until we discovered that bone strength is strongly related to muscle strength.

Spinal disc break down with age, which results in a loss of fluid that can prevent discs from acting as natural shock absorbers. This fluid loss makes the discs thinner and shrinks the gap between the vertebrae. Then one set of muscles overpowers another and creates postural dysfunction that put abnormal pressure on discs, causing wear and tear. The structural changes created by bad posture overload the muscles of the back or the intervertebral discs, which in turn can contribute to degenerative disc disease, along with other degenerative changes to the spine.

Most traditional treatments fail because they address the symptoms and not the cause of the condition. Your degenerated disc is a physical problem and it requires a physical solution. There are no pills or injections that can create a postural balance in your body, which is necessary to reduce the nerve pressure.

A degenerative disc can result in pain and decreased mobility because the discs separating the vertebrae in the spine shrink and become less flexible. Strength condition and stretching exercises are recommended to strengthen back muscles, provide stronger spinal support, and improve posture to keep the spine in the correct alignment.

Dr. Wayne Fichter is the lead doctor at Disk and Spine Northwest, a comprehensive outpatient rehabilitation center specializing in the treatment of serious, chronic back pain, acute injuries and postural/scoliosis problems. Contact him at diskandspinenorthwest.com or (208) 215-3261.