Patients can elect to under go spinal fusion or artificial disc replacement, which are common surgical procedures used to treat degenerative disc disease that is unresponsive to nonsurgical methods.
Degenerative Disc Disease
Degenerative disc disease is a condition that is commonly misunderstood. A degenerated disc is not actually a disease—it is part of the normal aging of the spine. When a spinal disc degenerates, it loses its ability to function efficiently as part of the spinal joint, which in turn can lead to back pain and possibly pain that radiates through the extremities.
The stages of the degenerative cascade are dysfunction, relative instability, and re-stabilization. The process usually takes place over 20 to 30 years, and the severity and frequency of pain tends to lessen over time.
Lower back pain from degenerative disc disease is linked to depression. Both conditions can be treated simultaneously with specific medications, regular exercise, or psychological therapy.
Don't let the term "degenerative" confuse you—degenerative disc disease does not necessarily get worse with age, but it can lead to intense pain.
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