Disc dehydration is a degenerative process that occurs as a person ages, as the cells in the discs responsible for absorbing water begin to die, which decreases the concentration of water in the disks and makes them stiffer and less flexible.
Thus, in case of disc dehydration, characteristic signs and symptoms, such as back pain and limited movements, appear, as well as an increased risk of disc degeneration over time, which can be perceived through worsening symptoms.
- To relieve these symptoms.
- The orthopedist may recommend the use of painkillers or physiotherapy sessions.
- As it is possible to relax the muscles of the back and improve mobility.
Symptoms of disc dehydration appear because there is a decrease in the amount of water in the discs, resulting in a loss of disc flexibility and an increased risk of friction between the vertebrae, resulting in the onset of certain symptoms, such as:
For example, if the person has any of these symptoms, it is recommended that you consult an orthopedic surgeon for an assessment that will allow you to identify if there is dehydration of the disc. Thus, during the appointment, the doctor may ask the person to be in different positions while applying different forces on the back to check if the person is suffering.
In addition, your doctor may order certain imaging tests, such as x-rays, CT scans, or MRIs, to confirm the diagnosis and differentiate yourself from your herniated discs, in which the person may have similar symptoms in some cases. . Learn to recognize the symptoms of herniated disks.
Disc dehydration is more common due to aging, being more common in people over the age of 50.
However, young people may also have signs and symptoms of disc dehydration, which may be due to cases in the family, in which case it is considered hereditary, or as a result of poor posture when sitting or carrying too much. a lot of weight, for example.
In addition, this change can occur as a result of car accidents or contact sports, or because you lose a lot of time quickly, because during this process, there can be a very rapid loss of fluids, including the present in the discs.
Treatment of disc dehydration should be performed under the direction of an orthopedist and usually involves the use of painkillers and physiotherapy sessions that help improve mobility, relieve pain and prevent stiffness. In addition to acupuncture, role-playing and professional exercise, it is also recommended to adopt healthy habits.
In cases where symptoms are more severe and there is no improvement even with physiotherapy, the orthopedist may recommend local or surgical treatment to promote symptom relief.