What are the stages of degenerative disc disease?
The 3 Stages of Spinal Degeneration
- Stage 1 – Dysfunction. As the spine begins to deteriorate, its curvature begins to change and show signs of misalignment.
- Stage 2 – Dehydration of spinal discs and beginning of spurring.
- Stage 3 – Stabilization.
- Chiropractic treatment for spinal degeneration.
What is Stage 3 of degenerative disc disease?
Stage 3 is marked by a more extreme change in the posture and curvature of the spine, along with more pain and loss of mobility. Nerve damage is common and scar tissue typically begins to form. Discs are even thinner than before, which can sometimes cause even more deformation of the bones.
How many stages are there to degenerative disc disease?
What are the stages of Degenerative disc disease? There are four stages a person will typically go through when experiencing Degenerative disc disease.
What is the degeneration process?
Degeneration refers to the process by which tissue deteriorates and loses its functional ability due to traumatic injury, aging and wear and tear.
Why is disc degeneration so painful?
Pain associated with degenerative disc disease generally stems from two main factors: Inflammation. Inflammatory proteins from the disc space interior can leak out as the disc degenerates, causing swelling in the surrounding spinal structures.
Can you become paralyzed from degenerative disc disease?
A severely herniated disc can cause paralysis. Disc herniation is most common in the lower back (lumbar spine) and neck (cervical spine).
Does drinking water help degenerative disc disease?
Eventually, it can lead to pain and swelling and even a bulging disc or herniated disc. Drinking water to adequately replenish the discs with the amount water needed to work properly can reduce the likelihood of developing back pain.
What happens when a disc completely degenerates?
If the bone spurs compress the spinal cord, affected individuals can develop problems with walking and bladder and bowel control. Over time, a degenerating disc may break down completely and leave no space between vertebrae, which can result in impaired movement, pain, and nerve damage.
Does walking help degenerative disc disease?
Aerobic exercise. Regular aerobic exercise, such as walking, swimming, or taking a low-impact aerobics class, has been shown to help relieve pain, promote a healthy body weight, and improve overall strength and mobility—all important factors in managing DDD.
What vitamins are good for degenerative disc disease?
Degenerative disc diseases (DJD) can damage the connective tissues as well. Adequate dietary protein, along with vitamins A, B6, C, E and minerals such as zinc and copper are essential for maintaining strong and healthy connective tissue.
How do I stop my DDD from progressing?
Many things can be done to lower the risk or progression of DDD.
- Stop smoking, or better yet, don’t start — smoking increases the rate of desiccation.
- Be active – regular exercise to increase the strength and flexibility of muscles that surround and support the spine.
What is the best thing to do for degenerative disc disease?
Treatment may include occupational therapy, physical therapy, or both, special exercises, medications, losing weight, and surgery. Medical options include injecting the joints next to the damaged disc with steroids and a local anesthetic. These are called facet joint injections. They can provide effective pain relief.
When did Kirkaldy-Willis describe the degenerative cascade?
In the 1970s, Kirkaldy-Willis first described the degenerative cascade. This model helped to explain the normal changes that all discs have. He postulated that after a torsional (twisting) injury to the disc, the degenerating disc follows three general stages. 1 Dysfunction. Small circumferential tears in the outer layer of the disc grow inward.
Who is the founder of the degenerative cascade?
The term degenerative cascade was introduced by Dr. Kirkaldy-Willis to explain the typical progression of lumbar spine degeneration.
What happens in the second phase of degenerative cascade?
Disc material may herniate into the spinal canal through an annular tear. In the second phase, instability, progressive facet capsule laxity and internal disc disruption lead to segmental instability. Degenerative spondylolisthesis and dynamic lateral nerve root entrapment may develop during this phase.
What are the three stages of degenerative disc disease?
Described as a degenerative cascade, the following three stages of disc degeneration have been proposed by researchers and are generally accepted in the medical community to provide insight into how degenerative disc disease gradually develops. Video: What Is a Degenerative Disc and the Degenerative Cascade?