Degenerative disc disease isn’t so much a disease, but rather a term used to describe some degree of age-related disc wear or deterioration. When the spongy discs that cushion the spine as it moves deteriorate in more than one location along the spine, it’s referred to as multilevel degenerative disc disease. Los Angeles spine surgeons note that since DDD is slow and progressive in nature, most patients only realize it’s a problem once they start to experience recurring pain.
Multilevel DDD Symptoms
Since multilevel disc degeneration can occur anywhere along the spine, initial symptoms may be ignored or dismissed as nothing more than muscle strain. Symptoms associated with the condition can vary depending on which levels are affected. For instance, DDD in the neck may be experienced as neck and shoulder pain. Symptoms associated with disc degeneration at multiple levels may include:
- Pain associated with movement
- Discomfort that becomes worse
- Numbness and tingling sensations
- Pain radiating to the arms and legs
- Muscle weakness or stiffness
Diagnosing Multilevel Disc Degeneration
Treatments for multilevel DDD are more effective if the condition is detected early since ongoing degeneration can contribute to related issues such as disc herniation. Diagnosis of the condition starts with a thorough exam that includes a patient’s medical history and the elimination of muscle-related causes. Image testing can confirm the existence of disc wear and determine the locations affected by the degeneration.
Multilevel DDD Treatment Options
Degeneration cannot be reversed, although symptoms can be treated. The goal with treatment is to increase the strength of supporting back muscles and minimize inflammation that can contribute to pain. Patients are often encouraged to try physical modalities in the form of heat and ice applications, relaxation, and biofeedback. Treatments may also include:
- Customized physical therapy
- Strength training exercises
- Weight management
- Pain medications
When disc degeneration exists at multiple levels, conservative treatments will be recommended first. Surgical options, typically fusion spine surgery, is only an option if initial treatments aren’t providing relief or if the spine becomes unstable due to the level of degeneration. After surgery, patients will be encouraged to stay active and watch their diet to minimize the risk of further degeneration.
While there are numerous conservative methods for treating back pain, there are times when surgery may be necessary. In procedures like lumbar artificial disc replacement and cervical artificial disc replacement, the degenerated disc is removed and replaced with an article disc that increases spinal stability while preserving range of motion.
To learn more, call The Spine Institute Center for Spinal Restoration today at (310) 828-7757 and schedule an in-person consultation.
Degenerative disk disease is when normal changes that take place in the disks of your spine cause pain.
Spinal disks are like shock absorbers between the vertebrae, or bones, of your spine. They help your back stay flexible, so you can bend and twist. As you get older, they can show signs of wear and tear. They begin to break down and may not work as well.
Nearly everyone's disks break down over time, but not everyone feels pain. If worn-out spinal disks are the reason you're hurting, you have degenerative disk disease.
What Causes It?
Your spinal disks are made up of a soft inner core and a tough outer wall. The disks change in ways that may cause degenerative disk disease, such as:
Dry out. When you're born, the disks in your spine are mostly made up of water. As you age, they lose water and get thinner. Flatter disks can't absorb shocks as well. The water loss also means less cushion or padding between your vertebrae. This can lead to other problems in your spine that may cause pain.
Crack. The stress of everyday movements and minor injuries over the years can cause tiny tears in the outer wall, which contains nerves. Any tears near the nerves can become painful. And if the wall breaks down, the disk's soft core may push through the cracks. The disk may bulge, or slip out of place, which is called a slipped or herniated disk. It can affect nearby nerves.
What Are the Symptoms?
You'll probably feel a sharp or constant pain in your back and neck. Your exact symptoms depend on where the weak disk is and other changes it has caused.
Common signs include pain that:
- Is in your lower back, buttocks, or upper thighs
- Comes and goes. It can be nagging or severe, and can last from a few days to a few months.
- Feels worse when you sit, and better when you move and walk
- Feels worse when you bend, lift, or twist
- Gets better when you change positions or lie down
In some cases, degenerative disk disease can lead to numbness and tingling in your arms and legs. It can also cause your leg muscles to become weak. This means the damaged disks may be affecting the nerves near your spine.
Your doctor will talk to you about your medical history and your symptoms. They may ask you: They'll look at your spine for signs of the
condition, like pain in your lower back or neck. They may also ask you to walk or bend to see which movements cause pain. Your doctor may order an X-ray or MRI to check for bone or
nerve damage near your spine. The goal is to ease pain and stop more damage. Your doctor will suggest the best plan for you, based on your symptoms and how serious your condition is. Treatment may include: Medication. Over-the-counter pain relievers like aspirin and ibuprofen can help fight
inflammation. They can ease your pain and lessen swelling. Your doctor may prescribe a stronger drug for pain if you need it. Degenerative disk disease may also lead to muscle spasms. Your doctor may suggest medicine to help relieve them.How Is It Diagnosed?
How Is It Treated?
Physical therapy. Specific movements make the muscles in your neck and back stronger and more flexible. This supports the spine.
In most cases, physical therapy and pain medication are enough for long-term relief.
Steroid shots. These have strong medications to ease pain, swelling, and inflammation. Your doctor may suggest you get a shot in the epidural space in your back, a fluid-filled area around the spinal cord, or get one in your nerve or muscle.
Surgery
If other treatments don't work, your doctor may recommend surgery. One procedure, called a discectomy, removes the injured part of the disk. This helps take pressure off your nerves.
In some cases, your doctor might remove the whole disk and put an artificial one in. If you have a severe problem, your doctor might fuse (permanently connect) the bones in your spine after they remove the disk.