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Degenerative Disc Disease
Degenerative disc disease is often difficult to diagnosis. Back pain, which is the most common symptom, is so prevalent in the population that it often goes undiagnosed. Patients with degenerative disc disease usually experience daily pain that is worse when they stand or sit for prolonged periods. The pain is usually persistent. On occasion, patients also report radiating pain.
Factors
Genetics play an important role in the propensity for degenerative disc disease. Obesity is a known risk factor, as is smoking, which limits oxygenation to tissues, is known to accelerate degeneration.
Diagnosis Tools
We often use MRI and sometimes discography to confirm the extent of the degeneration and its pain-generating level.
Treatment
Most patients can be treated successfully with anti-inflamatories and physical therapy. Only a small group of patients will not succeed with therapy and will require surgery which typically includes a fusion.