Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) and Disc Herniation

Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) and Disc Herniation

Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD)

DDD is the degeneration of the annular fibers of the intervertebral disc. Intervertebral disc functions as shock absorbers between the vertebrae. Te discs also allow for movement between the vertebrae. The discs compose of a nucleus that contains a high water content. The annulus fibers is the connective tissue that surrounds the intervertebral disc. The cervical and lumbar spine is more flexible than the thoracic spine. This is because of the ribs in the thoracic spine. Disc Degeneration is a normal process.

Disc Herniation is a commonly used term to describe a disc injury that results from a rupture of the annular fibers. Men are more commonly affected than woman. The damage to the annular fibers may result in the disc bulging, causing compression on the nerve roots and ligaments. This gives rise to symptoms of paresthesia (numbness and tingling), pain, and muscle weakness. Depending where the herniation occurs, determines when the symptoms occur. In cervical spine, the symptoms are experienced in the upper limbs, and in the lumbar spine, the symptoms are experienced in the lower limbs.

Causes of Disc Herniation:

Chronic overloading of the disc leading to annular fiber micro tearing

Trauma,

Muscle imbalances leading to asymmetric loading of the spine

Postural dysfunction

Lack of flexibility

Improper back support

Poor Posture

Massage Therapy can help with decreasing stress, pain, and spasm. Massage Therapy can also help with reducing the compressive forces on the disc and the nerves.

Preventative factors are impostant to consider -- core strengthening, regular stretching, low imapct activities (for example: swimming and yoga), and posture awarness.

Massage Therapy can help with posture imbalances and education about proper posture.

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