Degenerative Disc Disease/Spondylosis
Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD), also known as Spondylosis, is a condition that usually occurs due to aging. As the term implies, it is the progressive deterioration of the discs between the vertebral bodies.
Spondylosis is typically a degenerative condition of the joints of the spine and is also known as spinal osteoarthritis. The discs, joints and ligaments of the spine are generally involved. The discs lose their cushioning effect between the spinal bones, the ligaments become weaker or thicken, and the bones can develop bony growths or spurs. Aging and repetitive stresses to the spine are the primary causes of this degeneration, but it also can be present in younger adults who have had prior trauma. Not everyone will have symptoms as a result of spondylosis. If severe, spondylosis may cause pressure on nerve roots and cause pain in arms and legs.
Symptoms of Degenerative Disc Disease
Not everyone will have symptoms as a result of spondylosis. If severe, spondylosis may cause pressure on nerve roots with subsequent pain or tingling in the arms or legs. The most common symptom of degenerative disc disease is lower back pain that may or may not radiate to the legs, develop bony growths or spurs.
Causes of Spondylosis
With aging, the shock-absorbing cushions termed as intervertebral discs, loses fluid resulting to a decreased flexibility of the spine, bulging, thinning, and lesser cushioning ability of the discs. Aside from the normal wear and tear as individual ages, degenerative disc disease can also occur due to injury as a result of an external trauma or repetitive stress on the vertebra. Other common factors that can contribute to advancement of disc degeneration include obesity, smoking, and genetic factors.