Each of the vertebrae that incorporate our spine is under the protection of soft spinal spacers called discs. These discs are shock absorbers and save your bones from rubbing together. Some spinal discs remain resilient, but some deteriorate or break down in the elderly stages. It can also occur in young adults. When the spinal disc between the vertebrae deteriorates, it causes degenerative disk disease. Although it is known as degenerative disc disease, it is not a disease but a state that occurs due to different activities.  It may happen while performing routine tasks, including fitness training, adventure activities, or any accidental damage to a person. However there are a lot of things which we have to avoid during this disease. This article will be a complete guide to disc degenerative disease.

Exploring the Facts about Disc Degeneration

There are 23 vertebral discs in the human spinal column. Disc comprises two parts, the annulus fibrosus is the tough outer covering, while the nucleus pulp is the soft inner core consisting of microprotein gel. Let’s discuss some functions of the spinal disc.

• They serve as shock absorbers while supporting the spinal column. They withstand forces capable of causing severe harm

• They provide elasticity and freedom of movement so that we can bend and twist.

• They act as persistent protection to grasp the spine together.

Most people experience disc degeneration by the age of forty. This is due to the aging process, but it may also be due to any injury from the past or intense physical activity that can accelerate the disc from its normal position. 

Degenerative Disc Disease Signs and Symptoms

There are various signs and symptoms associated with degenerative disc disease. Pain is a prevalent feature of DDD. The various indications, as

• Experience increased discomfort after sitting down

• Commonly affects the lower area

• Extend from the cervical spine to the lower area

• Become more worse after bending or curving

• Unpredictable in duration

• DDD also causes loss of sensation in the arms or legs and weakness while exercising or jogging.

• Degenerative disc disease may also cause spasmodic contraction or muscle tension. 

Types of Degenerative Disk Disease

Degenerative disk disease occurs in the vertebral column but migrates to the lumbar region or your neck. Let's explore two types of this disease.

1. Cervical DDD

This may take place in the cervical spine or your neck. The cervical vertebral column has seven vertebrae, each separated by a spinal disc. The cervical spine supports all sorts of movement, such as your neck rotating transversely and moving up and down. However, due to disc degeneration, it is quite challenging to move your head from side to side and look up and down. 

2. Lumbar DDD

Five vertebrae are known as the largest bones in the vertebral column. Physicians nominate them from L1 to L5. Ninety per cent of discs are displaced in this region. Spinal discs which are shock absorbers break down and lose their ability to cushion in lumber degenerative disease.

Activities to Avoid with Degenerative Disc Disease

The main activity linked with backbone pain is physical labour and pulling up bulky items, but there are a lot of other reasons that may result in DDD. 

Sports and Activities

While playing different games, we require abrupt movement that affects the body. Games such as cricket, football, and basketball demand vigorous workouts, and energetic motion may lead to disc displacement. But as age catches up, running and jogging may also cause DDD because your feet stomp into the ground. 

Bending into painful Positions

When you have a healthy spine, you can easily twist and bend your body right and left. But if you have DDD, minimise activities such as twisting, turning, and intense exercises. 

Poor Posture and Body Mechanics

Try to avoid intense exercises and sports, as they can worsen DDD. Inadequate straightness can also contribute to and exert force on your vertebral disc. The human spine is designed to curve in a certain way, so the extra pressure slims down, and we feel comfortable. Inadequate posture puts more pressure on your disc, causing it to dislocate. 

Static Posture and Sedentary behaviour

Prolonged slouching, sitting persistently at a place or on long flights can worsen the effects of DDD. If your spinal cord is not curving for a long time, it means it is constantly putting pressure on your spinal discs. Walking is good for your vertebral column, as it relieves spinal pressure. 

Food and Drinks to Avoid

When you have degenerative disc disease, you must avoid foods that cause inflammation. Let’s explore food types that you should avoid.

• Beverages which contain sugar

• Processed meat, such as beverages

• Beef

• Pork

• Sweets

• Saturated fats

• Palm oil

• Lard

• Fatty meat

Treatment

The main objective of treatment is to lower discomfort and prevent further injury. There exist a wide variety of treatments for degenerative discs. Here we are discussing them

Medications

Symptomatic relief medicines, including aspirin and ibuprofen, can modulate inflammation. They can ease discomfort and soothe puffiness. The doctor may intensify the medication's potency if necessary. 

Steroid shots

They contain powerful pain relievers, lessen inflammation and reduce puffiness. The physiotherapist will recommend you get a shot in the spinal epidural space in your back, basically, a fluid-filled cavity surrounding the spinal cord, or penetrate the muscle and nerve tissue. 

Physical therapy 

Physiotherapy consists of muscle strengthening exercises. They make the muscles of the cervical and lumbar regions more flexible and resilient, strengthening the spine. Mostly, these therapeutic exercises and pain medication are sufficient for prolonged relief. 

Radiofrequency Neurotomy

This methodology involves the doctor burning and damaging nerve tissue in the spinal cord using radio waves to stop the transfer of pain sensation signals from nerves to the brain. It offers instant comfort from pain, and it takes almost three weeks to diminish the pain entirely. Some people get much relief from this procedure, but others receive no advantages. 

Consulting Healthcare Professionals

It is better to talk to your doctor rather than take sensitive actions, including intense exercise that you may perform at home. Do not become a DDD expert; evaluate whether your daily activities are safe to perform. The doctor or physiotherapist will suggest whether a particular exercise is suitable for you or not. For example, if swimming is your hobby but the doctor suggests you run according to your physical health.