We know it’s hard to see your parents grow older.  It is hard to see our always energetic parents getting tired. Sometimes we just want to seize the time, right? But some things are bound to happen, and getting old is something you can’t help. Old age comes with its problems, including back pain, joint pain, weakness, and many more. And we get tired of searching for the right solution. That is why Ahmedabad’s best spine surgeon explains things to know about degenerative disc disease (the most common spine problem among people of older age).

As the most reliable spine hospital in Ahmedabad, IndoSpine says, “To find the perfect solution for any spine problem, it is essential to have sound knowledge about the disease first. This is why Dr. Tarak Patel, Ahmedabad’s best spine surgeon, explains things to know about degenerative disc disease so that you can find a suitable treatment for your parents. Did we just say, parents? Your parents don’t need to be the only ones vulnerable to this disease. It can be you, your partner. Even you are in your early 30s; you can develop this condition. How? IndoSpine, the best spine hospital in Ahmedabad, is here to answer all your questions. Clear all your doubts when Ahmedabad’s best spine surgeon explains things to know about degenerative disc disease.

Know what degenerative disc disease means with the most reliable spine hospital in Ahmedabad, IndoSpine.

Degenerative disc disease is not a disease. It is a condition in which the cushion-like substance in our spine starts to dry out due to old age. But the disc can also get damaged due to injuries. That is why it can be seen in the younger people, but it mostly affects the older people. Let us understand the condition in a better way –

When Ahmedabad’s best spine surgeon explains things to know about degenerative disc disease, he makes sure that you get a deep insight into your spine, which leads to a better understanding of the condition.

Our spine comprises several individual bones called vertebrae and is connected through a cushion-like substance called a disc. These discs provide the spine with flexibility and load-bearing properties.

In this condition, the discs start to deteriorate, which means to dry out. The drying out of the discs takes away the flexibility of the spine. The loss of flexibility causes pain while moving. Degenerative disc disease is most likely to occur in the thoracic and lumbar regions of the spine.

As the most reliable spine hospital, IndoSpine says, “Degenerative disc disease varies from person to person.” The condition may cause severe pain in some cases and not in others. Studies have shown that some people with minor damage face severe pain, while some people with significant damage are not facing that much pain.

In most cases, the degeneration time starts from the 20s, but people are more likely to experience symptoms only when they reach their 60s or 70s. Ahmedabad’s best spine surgeon explains things to know about degenerative disc disease, and here are some common symptoms of degenerative disc disease-

1. A sense of feeling that your back is locked up.
2. Neck pain.
3. Loss of flexibility in your spine.
4. Pain that runs down through your arms and legs.
5. Pain that increases with the extended hours of sitting.
6. Weakness in the legs or foot.

Learn about the causes when Ahmedabad’s best spine surgeon explains things to know about degenerative disc disease.

According to the most reliable spine hospital in Ahmedabad, IndoSpine, several causes contribute to this condition. These are –

As we age, our bone density decreases because our capacity to absorb essential nutrients for bone health decreases. But aging is not the only cause behind this condition.

Daily Activities play a crucial role in determining spine health if your profession or day-to-day activities such as lifting weight, pushing, and pulling, which put pressure on your spine, can make your spine vulnerable to this condition.

Injuries caused by accidents can also be the reason behind the degeneration of the disc.

Studies have shown that genes can run down degenerative disc disease from one generation to another.

Several spine diseases such as Osteoarthritis, Spondylolisthesis can cause the discs to degenerate.

Putting extra pressure on your spine can be a reason behind the deterioration of your discs, and being overweight does the same.

Smoking can be a potential threat to your spine health as it dehydrates the discs, ultimately making them degenerate.

Degenerative disc disease comes with some common symptoms, such as back pain which we are more likely to ignore. But, if you notice that the pain is persistent, it is always a good decision to consult a doctor, and what can be better than the most reliable spine hospital in Ahmedabad, IndoSpine.

It is always better to have some answers to certain questions, which can significantly help the treatment process. These are –

• From when are you experiencing the pain?
• Did you have any recent injuries?
• Do you have any idea about how severe the pain is?
• What triggers the pain?

Answers to these questions would help your doctor understand the condition before suggesting tests such as X-rays or MRI.

The treatment process of degenerative disc disease depends on how severe the condition is. Both surgical and non-surgical options are available. In most cases, this condition does not require surgical intervention.

Some non-surgical treatments such as yoga, stretching, hot & cold therapy, massage, etc., can relieve the condition. Other than that, medications can also be prescribed by your doctor. These medications are –

• NSAIDs – Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
• Opioid pain relievers for short time relief.
• Muscle relaxants for muscle spasms.
• Therapeutic injections – A powerful anti-inflammatory drug is injected into the fluid-filled area around the spine.
• Nerve blocks – Pain relieving medication is injected into the nearby muscles.

The below-mentioned conditions require surgical intervention –

• Increasing pain over time.
• Pain lasting over 12 weeks.
• Difficulty in performing daily activities.
• Legs and arms are getting weak gradually.

In this process, the damaged parts of the disc are removed.

When a disc is completely damaged, it is removed in this process. The surrounding vertebrae can also be fused/joined together to stabilize the part.

In this process, the damaged disc is replaced with an artificial one.

There are some small changes you can make in your life to prevent early disc degeneration. These are –

• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Engage yourself in regular exercise.
• Build a strong core for back support.
• Put pressure on your hips while lifting objects.
• Try to include nutrients essential for bone health in your diet.

Degenerative disc disease is not something to panic over. Right treatment at the right time is the way to live a happy and healthy life. Speak to your doctor about your condition and make the needed changes in your life.