Degenerative disc disease is an alteration that indicates that the intervertebral disc between each column loses its original shape, increasing the risk of a herniated disk, for example, this type of alteration can be observed by imaging tests, such as X-rays, MRI or CT scans.
Treatment of degenerative disc disease should be indicated by a traumatologist who may indicate medications and physiotherapy sessions to relieve pain and improve movement limitations, in the most severe cases, surgery.
Some characteristics of degenerative disc disease are
These changes are most common in the lumbar region, between the L4-L5 and L3-L4 vertebrae, but can affect any area of the spine. When no treatment is performed to improve the quality of the intervertebral disc, the result is more the development of a herniated disk. Disk hernias are the most common among the C6-C7, L4-L5 and L5-S1 vertebrae.
Disc degeneration, as this disease is also known, is caused by factors of disco dehydration, fractures or fractures, which can occur from a sedentary lifestyle, trauma, vigorous working practice working with physical exertion, in addition to propensity for aging. It can also affect young people, but those affected are over 30 to 40 years old.
People who spend many hours sitting and need to tilt their body faces, repeatedly during the long day as bus drivers, secretaries and dentists, have a higher chance of having a spinal disc disturbance.
You don’t need to have a major traumatic event to trigger disk degeneration, which could also develop silently and gradually throughout your life.
Intervertebral disc degeneration may show no symptoms, especially in young people involved in herniated discs, usually if discovered during an imaging exam, especially in MRI or CT scans, however, symptoms such as propagation pain that make pain difficult may occur. Learn more about symptoms and treatment of herniated disk.
It is possible to improve the quality of the disc, completely eliminating pain, if it exists. Treatment to improve the quality of the intervertebral disc is based on hypotheses: surgery, herniated disc, physiotherapy in case of pain and limitation of movements.
Some important guidelines in case of symptomless degenerative discopathy and herniated disk are to preserve the spine, maintain good posture when walking, sitting, lying down, sleeping and s stop, in addition, it is also important to avoid physical exertion and if it is necessary to lift heavy objects, this should be done correctly, without forcing too much spine.
The practice of physical exercises such as going to the gym, under professional supervision, 2 to 3 times a week is indicated for all sedentary people and that there is a lot of time in the same position at work.