What is Disc Degeneration in the Context of the Spine?

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Degenerative disc disease (disc degeneration)  has proven to be a frightening diagnosis for many members of the public. Our spinal discs (the shock-absorbing pads between our vertebrae) are essential for a high quality of life. They cushion the load-bearing stress on the spinal column and along with the facet joints (the joints between our vertebrae) spinal discs help allow for the spinal column’s articulation during routine motion.

Over time, however, the spinal discs naturally degenerate (degenerative disc diseease) , becoming thinner, harder, drier, and less capable of absorbing shock. This means that vertebrae in the spinal column move closer together, placing nearby spinal nerves at a higher risk for compression. Degenerated spinal discs also directly impact a back pain patient’s mobility, given that the discs act somewhat like the shocks and suspension on an automobile a person with compromised discs is going to move more slowly and have a smaller range of motion.

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Problems also surface when back pain patients are diagnosed with degenerative disc disease. Patients may be frightened at the condition getting worse to the point of paralysis or greatly decreased mobility. While advanced damage in your spinal discs is indeed cause for concern, there are many steps patients can take to mediate back pain and improve their quality of life as they age. First, don’t give up simply because of your diagnosis. Disc degeneration is a natural process. Degenerative disc disease  (disc degeneration) simply means your degeneration has progressed more quickly than is the norm.

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Additionally, there are many steps patients can take at home to make sure they retain an acceptable range of motion and low-to-moderate pain levels. First, consider using over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen to mediate back pain when it reaches acute levels. Pain medication will provide temporary relief and restore mobility by reducing inflammation (anti-inflammatory effects)  along the spinal column (which, in a person with advanced degeneration of their spinal discs, will also help in relieving pressure on spinal nerves). A physical therapy or chiropractic regimen emphasizing core-strengthening exercises is also essential. Strong muscles throughout the torso and along the spinal column will relieve pressure from compromised spinal discs and help reduce the possibility for compressing spinal nerves. Patients also have the advantage of continuing these physical therapy / chiropractic exercises at home for an indefinite period of time, reducing medical costs and helping to maintain their mobility while reducing the possibility of further damage to the spinal discs themselves. Finally, physical therapy is an essential component in a healthy lifestyle that keeps weight at optimum levels, reducing the load-bearing stress on spinal discs and facet joints. Maintaining a healthy weight will further reduce the possibility of additional damage, while an unhealthy weight will increase the potential for nerve damage.

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Physicians at the Kraus Back and Neck Institute treat patients with degenerative disc disease (disc degeneration).  The Kraus Back and Neck Institute (KBNI) in Houston TX  cares for patients in Houston and the surrounding areas, including Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sealy, Baytown, Pearland, Beaumont, Galleria, Conroe, Humble, Kingwood, Port Arthur, Galveston, Texas Medical Center  (TMC), Tomball and other Texas TX cities including Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio and Austin.  In most cases, non-surgical treatments are available, reserving surgery for those patients in whom conservative treatments do not provide sufficient pain relief.

If you have SUFFERED AN INJURY, you can contact the Kraus Back and Neck Institute at

…….  281-713-6296

…….  Or visit  www.SpineHealth.com  to schedule an appointment online

…….  KBNI VIDEO

Keywords: spinal discs, back pain, spinal nerves, physical therapy, degenerative disc disease, disc degeneration, Houston, Memorial City, Woodlands, Sugarland, Pearland, Katy, Spring, Conroe, Beaumont, Baytown