Degenerated Disc
Degenerative disc disease is one of the most common causes of low back pain, and also one of the most misunderstood. Many patients diagnosed with low back pain caused by degenerative disc disease are left wondering exactly what this diagnosis means for them. Common questions that are often on patients’ minds include:
- If I have low back pain from degenerative disc disease in my thirties, how much worse will it become with age?
- Will the degenerative disc disease become a crippling condition? Will I end up in a wheelchair?
- Should I restrict my activities?
The lumbar disc is a unique and well-designed structure in the spine. It is strong enough to resist terrific forces in multiple different planes of motion, yet it is still very mobile. The disc has several functions, including acting as a shock absorber between the vertebral bodies.
The lumbar disc has been likened to a jelly donut. It is comprised of a series of bands that form a tough outer layer and soft, jelly-like material contained within