What is Degenerative Disc Disease?
The intervertebral discs, soft structures which sit between the spinal bones (vertebrae), may deteriorate with age or injury. A normal intervertebral disc during early adulthood has a large amount of water within it, which gives it many of its important properties. With age, the water content of the disc reduces, and the disc loses some of its height. The disc may bulge, and additional bone may form at the edges of the vertebrae and discs (osteophytes). As a result of this process, the spinal canal and forminae (tunnels for the spinal nerves) can narrow, resulting in pressure on the nerves and/or spinal cord.

How does degenerative disc disease occur?
Degenerative disc disease may occur as a result of the following:

• Age
• Wear and tear
• Trauma
• Poor posture

What are the symptoms of degenerative disc disease?
Most cases of disc degeneration are not associated with pain or other symptoms. The symptoms of degenerative disc disease vary, and may include:

• Neck pain
• Arm pain, tingling and/or weakness
• Hand clumsiness
• Headaches
• Back pain
• Leg pain, tingling and/or weakness
• Problems with walking (‘gait disturbance’)

How is degenerative disc disease diagnosed?
Degenerative disc disease is usually diagnosed using a combination of the following:

• Taking a history of your symptoms (asking you a number of questions and getting you to fill out some forms and pain charts)
• Performing a physical examination
• Carrying out some special tests or investigations, including X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans, and bone scans

How is degenerative disc disease treated?
Degenerative disc disease may be treated with a variety of options, including:

• Advice about posture, exercise, and activities to avoid
• Medications for pain
• Physiotherapy
• Hydrotherapy
• Clinical pilates
• Osteopathy
• Massage
• Acupuncture
• Chiropractic
• Psychology
• Surgery