Things to Know About Lumbar Degenerative Disc Disease
Throughout the US, one of the most common complaints amongst both men and women, regardless of age is back pain. The spine is one of the most important parts of the body, and designed to act as not only a support system for our body, including our arms and legs, but as the nerve center of our central nervous system itself. The spine directs messages from our brain to our body parts, ensuring that they make the proper movements and react to certain stimuli. And surrounding our spinal cord, is a series of discs and vertebrae (or bones) which house the sensitive spinal cord and not only protect it but give our back and body its stability and ability to stand upright. As the top orthopedic spine surgeon NYC has to offer, Dr. Vikas Varma has helped countless patients deal with their spinal issues and cover a variety of different spinal needs. The main issue with the spinal discs and bones in the area is that like all other parts of the body, they are susceptible to wear and tear over time. And the impact of daily use can cause them to breakdown, particularly the somewhat delicate spinal discs. According to Dr. Varma, the top orthopedic spine surgeon NYC has in practice, the most common reasoning for back pain and this breakdown is a condition known as degenerative disc disease, particularly Lumbar degenerative disc disease – presenting in the lumbar region or lower back. We will explore some important point to know about this all-too-common spinal condition.
What is Lumbar Degenerative Disc Disease?
A very common condition, lumbar degenerative disc disease is a condition that occurs due to the normal wear and tear of the intervertebral discs within the spine. This wear and tear occurs due to the normal daily use and a result of aging. However in some instances, it is also due to trauma or some type of injury that affects the lower back and spine – essentially hastening the wear and tear process.
The spinal discs are protected by an outer ring of collagen fibers known as the Annulus. Over time, small tears can develop in the annulus and cause the disc to deteriorate. According to the top orthopedic spine surgeon NYC has practicing, Dr. Varma, the discs, particularly the inner nucleus is mainly made up of water. And as the outer covering begins to tear, the discs begin to lose their water content – making them thinner and causing them to perform poorly and provide less cushioning for the vertebrae. Upon visiting a spine surgeon Manhattan patients will often develop other issues associated with this deterioration including:
· Herniated Discs
· Bulging Discs
· Bone Spurs or Osteophytes
· Nerve Impingement
· Spinal Stenosis
These conditions lead to the overall instability of the spine over time and issues with chronic pain and overall discomfort. Dr. Varma, as the top spine surgeon Manhattan has to offer, recommends patients seek treatment or get a spinal examination immediately upon presenting with symptoms. Some of the more common symptoms to look out for include:
· Pain – Radiating outward front eh specific spinal disc to the legs, arms and more.
· Numbness, Tingling
· Inability to Bend or Twist at the Spine
· Pain while standing or walking.
· Mobility issues.
As the top spine surgeon Manhattan patients trust for such issues, Dr. Varma is able to diagnose issues by running a series of diagnostic tests, including – x-rays, CT scans, and MRI’s. Once a diagnosis of DDD is confirmed, as well as any associated conditions that may have occurred due to the damage within the disc – Dr. Varma and his team will determine a specific course of treatment. This can include surgery, physical therapy, and much more depending upon the severity of your issues. For more information on spine issues, contact DR. VARMA today.
