Degenerative disc disease and diagnosis - Chandigarh

Degenerative disk disease occurs when the cushioning in your spine begins to wear away. The condition is most common in older adults. After age 40, most people experience some spinal degeneration. The right treatment can lead to pain relief and increased mobility.

Degenerative disk disease is when your spinal disks wear down. Spinal disks are rubbery cushions between your vertebrae (bones in your spinal column). They act as shock absorbers and help you move, bend and twist comfortably. Everyone’s spinal disks degenerate over time and is a normal part of aging.

When the cushions wear away, the bones can start to rub together. This contact can cause pain and other problems, such as:

Adult scoliosis, where the spine curves.
Herniated disk, also called a bulged, slipped or ruptured disk.
Spinal stenosis, when the spaces around your spine narrow.
Spondylolisthesis, when vertebrae move in and out of place.

What are the symptoms of degenerative disk disease?
The most common symptoms of degenerative disk disease are neck pain and back pain. You may experience pain that:

Comes and goes, lasting for weeks or months at a time.
Leads to numbness or tingling in your arms or legs.
Radiates down your buttocks and lower back.
Worsens with sitting, bending or lifting.

How is degenerative disk disease diagnosed?
To diagnose degenerative disk disease, your healthcare provider may start by asking you about your symptoms. Questions may include:

When does the pain start?
Where do you feel pain?
What activities cause the most pain?
What activities decrease the pain?
Did you have an injury or accident that led to pain?
Do you have other symptoms, such as tingling or numbness?
How far can you walk?
Your healthcare provider may use imaging scans such as X-ray, CT or MRI. These tests can show your healthcare provider the state and alignment of your disks. Your provider may also conduct a physical exam to check your:

Nerve function: Your provider may use a reflex hammer to check your reactions. Poor or no reaction could mean you have damaged or compressed nerves.
Pain levels: Your provider may touch or press on specific areas of your back to measure your pain levels.
Strength: Muscle weakness or shrinking (atrophy) could mean you have nerve damage or degenerated disks.

If you are suffering from such issues, consult our expert Dr Ritesh Khokhar at Fortis Hospital Mohali