subject: Causes And Treatment For Cervical And Lumbar Degenerative Disc Disease [print this page] Ageing is an unstoppable process which cannot be prevented by modern science, even though one can try to control it. One of the consequences of ageing is the degeneration of disc. As a person gets older, the spinal discs on his back tend to get compressed and lose their flexibility. This hinders easy movement and can be accompanied by pain. Lumbar degenerative disc disease has become quite common amongst the old and the middle aged. Thanks to the sedentary lifestyle we are leading in this computer-obsessed era, the disease is also plaguing youths in their 30s and even in their 20s.
Usually, the degenerative disc disease occurs in the lower portion of the back. But cervical degenerative disc disease is also becoming quite common and causes immense discomfort around the region of upper vertebra or the neck. In simple terms, one can say the degenerative disc is like a depreciated machine which has lost its efficiency after many years of service. Such degeneration can be further accompanied by herniated disc, spinal stenosis and osteoarthritis. They can affect the spine or even the nerves and cause a lot of pain. Thankfully, treatment is now available. There are renowned doctors who provide various kinds of surgical and non-surgical treatment facilities to treat all forms of degenerative discs.
In this regard, it is vital to understand how the disease takes birth! The discs act as shock absorbers since they have shock-absorbing fluid which cushion the surrounding bones and even lend them a certain amount of flexibility. This flexibility facilitates easy movement and rotation of vertebral bones without much discomfort! However, as one catches up with age, the fluid begins to dry up and the efficiency of these discs as shock absorbers comes down heavily. Flexibility also gets reduced substantially and the vertebral bones become stiff and unyielding. In no time, pain may develop and the patient may start feeling discomfort while bending or straightening. Thus, he becomes afflicted with the dreaded lumbar degenerative disc disease.
Some people initially try wearing braces which may give some comfort or relief. A brace may allay some of the physical agony and can provide greater stability and flexibility. But it may not be a long term solution. Depending on various factors like your age, the extent of damage and the duration of your illness, your doctor will recommend alternate treatment forms and surgeries. You may even have to go for a surgery. But do not get apprehensive because most surgeries conducted these days are done with 100% safety and as much reliability.
Cervical degenerative disc disease is also a growing concern. Shocking it may sound, but this disease is affecting thousands of young people. Now-a-days, children as well as the adult office-goers are glued before the computers typing furiously. Sitting before computer for incessantly long hours can have its detrimental effect in the long run. Backache and discomfort in the neck is a common occurrence. But within a few years, the discs can suffer degeneration very fast. So, timely medical intervention is necessary for quick and complete treatment.
