Degenerative Disc Disease

Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is part of the natural process of growing older. Unfortunately, as we age, our intervertebral discs lose their flexibility, elasticity, and shock absorbing characteristics. The ligaments that surround the disc, called the annulus fibrosis, become brittle and they are more easily torn. At the same time, the soft gel-like center of the disc, called the nucleus pulposus, starts to dry out and shrink. As a result, people complain of neck pain and stiffness, especially towards the end of the day.

Symptoms

The common symptoms that suggest that degenerative disc disease may be responsible for a person's pain include neck pain, pain that radiates down to the back of the shoulder blades or into the arms, numbness and tingling, and sometimes even difficulties with hand dexterity or walking. Muscle weakness occurs at a later stage in the degenerative process than pain does, and it is a sign that disease is relatively more serious. In severe cases of cervical DDD, where there is evidence of spinal cord compression, individuals may experience symptoms of sciatica and back pain, and lower extremity weakness.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of degenerative disc disease begins with a complete physical examination of the neck, arms and lower extremities. Your doctor will examine your neck for flexibility, range of motion, and the presence of certain signs that suggest that your nerve roots or spinal cord are affected by degenerative changes in your neck. This often involves testing the strength of your muscles to make sure that they are still working normally. You will often be asked to fill out a diagram that asks you where your symptoms of pain, numbness, tingling and weakness are occurring.

A routine set of x-rays is also usually ordered when a patient with neck pain goes to see a doctor. If degenerative disc disease is present, the x-rays will sometimes show a narrowing of the spaces between the vertebral bodies, which indicates that the disc has become very thin or has collapsed. In many situations, doctors will order an MRI or a CT (CAT) scan in order to evaluate the degenerative changes in the cervical spine more completely. An MRI scan is very useful for determining where the nerve roots or spinal cord are being compressed. A CT scan is often used to evaluate the bony anatomy in the cervical spine, which can show how much space is available for the nerve roots and spinal cord within the spinal canal. Learn more about diagnostic exams.

Treatment

Your doctor will be able to discuss with you what your diagnosis means in terms of treatment options. For most people who do not have evidence of nerve root compression with muscle weakness, the first line of therapy includes non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and physical therapy. A soft cervical collar is often prescribed in order to allow the neck to have a chance to rest.

Surgery for cervical spine disease is offered as an option for people who have evidence of muscle weakness that is being caused by nerve root or spinal cord compression. This is because muscle weakness is a definite sign that the nerves are being injured (more seriously than when pain is the only symptom) and relieving the pressure on the nerves is more of an urgent priority. In other situations, spinal surgery is offered after physical therapy, rest, and medications have failed to adequately relieve the symptoms of pain, numbness and weakness.

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