The degeneration of spinal disks is known as degenerative disk disease. The rubbery cushions that lie between your vertebrae—the bones that make up your spinal column—are called spinal disks. They support you while you move, bend, and twist comfortably by serving as shock absorbers. It is a natural aspect of ageing for everyone's spinal disks to degrade over time. In addition to other problems, this degeneration may cause discomfort and decreased movement. Not everyone experiences pain or symptoms to the same extent, and some may remain symptom-free despite the disc degeneration.
There are several contributing factors to degenerative disc disease. The discs naturally lose suppleness and water content with age, which reduces their ability to absorb shocks. This is the most prevalent reason. There are hereditary components as well; certain individuals are predisposed to disc degeneration. The degenerative process can be sped up by stress or injury to the spine. The discs may degrade more quickly as a result of repetitive strain from straining, bending, or twisting. Due to the increased strain they put on the spine, and its discs, obesity and poor posture are additional risk factors. Lastly, sedentary lifestyles can contribute to weakened muscles that support the spine, increasing the strain on the discs.
The severity of symptoms associated with degenerative disc disease might vary significantly. Chronic back or neck pain is one common sign, and it might get worse when you bend, lift, or twist at specific angles. The compression of nerves in the extremities can cause tingling or numbness in patients. Muscle weakness might occasionally happen and make it difficult to carry out daily duties. Either the pain is continuous and causes constant discomfort, or it is sporadic and comes and goes over time. Some persons have episodes of excruciating pain that are followed by intervals of time when they feel somewhat better. Long stretches of sitting can also worsen the pain, which makes it difficult for people who have desk jobs.
See a spine expert as soon as possible if you think you may have degenerative disc disease. At QI Spine Clinic, we provide comprehensive Degenerative Disc Disease treatment that is customised to meet the specific needs of each patient. Using cutting-edge technology and a comprehensive team of doctors, the clinic prioritises non-surgical methods. Spinal alignment may be stabilised and corrected using the McKenzie Method physical therapy technique. Enhancing mobility, lowering pain, and lowering the chance of pain recurrence are the main goals of medical movements like kinetic control and the Global Stabilization System. QI offers non-pharmacological pain treatment techniques, including FSM or frequency-specific microcurrent. This cutting-edge approach to pain management uses low electric current levels to lessen pain and encourage tissue restoration. It helps in reducing the inflammation surrounding a damaged disc.
In extreme situations, pain management procedures such as nerve blocks and epidural steroid injections are utilised to relieve pain and decrease inflammation. At QI Spine Clinic, lifestyle changes are also a crucial component of the treatment regimen. To reduce factors that worsen disc degeneration, patients receive advice on ergonomic changes, weight management, and quitting smoking. To avert more injuries, people are taught safe lifting and bending procedures as well as correct body mechanics.
QI Spine Clinic, our approach to Degenerative Disc Disease is comprehensive, addressing both the physical and psychological aspects. We combine state-of-the-art medical procedures with personalised care plans. Our aim is to help patients achieve lasting comfort and maintain a healthy spine by emphasising non-invasive techniques and preventive care. We strive to empower our patients with the knowledge and tools they need to manage their condition effectively.