Degenerative disc disease refers to the cumulative microtears of soft tissue surrounding the protective disc within the spinal vertebrae.  This diagnosis will also show decreased disc height and dehydration of the nucleus.  The disc is a natural shock absorber protecting us when we jump, lift heavy objects and run.  It also serves to separate and cushion the vertebrae. 

How Degenerative Disc Disease occurs

Discs will naturally degenerate as we age however a few factors can speed up the process.  These factors are smoking, obesity, genetics, major back injuries and a sedentary lifestyle.   Generally, the degeneration process will start in our 30’s.  During this period our spines can continue to withstand much of the  torque and pounding we ask our of bodies, however, microtears of the soft tissue protecting the disc (annulus fibrosus) will begin to occur.  By the age of 50, the disc nuclei is no longer soft and cannot provide the same level of shock absorption.  The disc has thinned out and become semi-hard to hard, hence the term ‘degeneration’. 

 As the disc becomes drier, more stress is placed on the soft tissue around it and tearing occurs.  The spinal vertebrae reacts by shrinking, taking up the space the disc once occupied.  As the vertebrae compresses it can squeeze the disc tissue out possibly causing impingement of a nerve root.   

Symptoms:

Symptoms of degenerative disk disease include:

• Pain in the low back, buttocks, thighs, or neck
• Pain that worsens when sitting, bending, lifting, or twisting
• Pain that feels better when walking, changing positions, or lying down
• Periods of severe pain that gets better after a few days or months
• Numbness and tingling into the legs
• Weakness in the legs
• Foot drop (inability to raise the foot at the ankle)

A visit to the doctor’s office is warranted.  They will generally perform an X-ray and/or MRI to confirm the presence of degenerative disc disease. 

Treatment:

Treatment options will vary depending on the medical professional you consult.  Doctors will often recommend initial rest, physical therapy, steroid injections, pharmaceutical drugs or surgery as a last option in a worst case scenario. 

Chiropractors and osteopaths will work to correct bony alignment so that maximum space can be created to allow the disc nucleus to re-enter the vertebral column. 

Massage can be helpful with degenerative disc disease in conjunction with the work of another medical professional to calm compensating muscle patterns that arise as well as work to create space for the tissue to return to its normal place.  Massage is not indicated when you are experiencing a flare up of pain. 

Sources:

* Werner, Ruth, A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology 4^th ed. 2009; 204-209

* http://www.bidmc.org/YourHealth/ConditionsAZ/Degenerativediscdisease.aspx

* http://www.eorthopod.com/public/patient_education/6495/lumbar_degenerative_disc_disease.html