Article Rundown

• What is degenerative disc disease? (DDD)
• The cascading effects of DDD
• The importance of posture and spine hygiene
• Steps to take

What is Degenerative Disc Disease? (DDD)

In this video and accompanying article, I’ll explore the topic of Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD)—what it is, how it can affect your body, and the potential complications it can cause. If you’ve been diagnosed with DDD and told that “there’s nothing you can do about it,” what does that mean? Is it something to be concerned about, or is it just a normal part of aging? Let’s break it down.

Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) refers to the gradual wear and tear of the intervertebral discs, which act as cushions between the vertebrae of your spine. These discs can lose hydration and height over time, a process that occurs as part of the natural aging process or as a result of trauma to the spine.

The spine has five lumbar vertebrae, and DDD can affect any of the discs between these vertebrae. It’s a widespread diagnosis, especially in individuals over the age of 40, but DDD isn’t always as simple as “just a little loss of disc height.”

As you age or experience spinal trauma, your discs may lose some of their height and moisture content. This is similar to a car tire losing air—your car may become unstable, and similarly, your spine can become less stable as you lose disc height. This instability can lead to various issues, such as disc bulges (where the disc bulges from its normal position) or herniations (where the disc bulges more focally), which can creep or pinch nearby nerves.

However, it’s important to note that DDD, in and of itself, may not always cause pain. Some people may have significant disc degeneration but experience no symptoms at all. That said, as DDD progresses, it can lead to other complications that may cause pain or discomfort.

The Cascading Effects of DDD

While DDD is often the beginning of a larger problem, it doesn’t always cause immediate issues. However, it’s crucial to monitor the progression of your spine’s health as the discs lose height and the structural integrity of your spine is compromised.

Once disc height decreases, the spine’s other structures—such as the facet joints and vertebral body (bones)—begin taking on more axial load, which can lead to additional complications. For example, the facet joints located on the posterior side of the neural canal of the spine may begin to develop arthritis, hypertrophy (abnormal growth), or effusions (fluid buildup). This can cause further discomfort and contribute to nerve impingement, leading to pain, numbness, or weakness in the legs or back.

As a result, it’s important to assess not just the disc itself but the surrounding structures and joints. When diagnosed with DDD, you should seek a more comprehensive evaluation to determine if there are additional issues, such as Circumferential disc bulges, Endplate fractures, Modic changes (changes in the bone structure adjacent to the disc), Facet joint irritation or osteoarthritis, and Nerve compression or inflammation. Each of these conditions can present its own challenges, and addressing them requires a more nuanced approach than simply saying, “You have DDD.”

The Importance of Posture and Spine Hygiene

As you age or undergo physical training, maintaining good posture and spine hygiene becomes increasingly important. While younger individuals tend to be more resilient to back injuries due to their preserved disc height and fewer miles on the spines, this changes over time. As you lose disc height, particularly with repetitive or intense training, you must be mindful of how you move and lift.

Dr. Stuart McGill, a renowned expert on spine health, offers a helpful analogy: he compares being diagnosed with DDD to being told you have “degenerative face disease” simply because you’re older. While DDD may be a normal part of aging, it’s not necessarily a cause for immediate concern or drastic action. However, the condition can worsen over time if not appropriately managed.

Conclusion 

In summary, Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) is a common and often inevitable part of the aging process or can result from trauma. However, it’s essential to understand that DDD alone doesn’t necessarily cause pain, and not everyone with DDD will experience significant discomfort. The key is to look beyond just the diagnosis and assess the overall health of your spine—considering factors like disc bulges, joint inflammation, and nerve involvement.

If you’ve been diagnosed with DDD, it’s essential to take proactive steps to manage the condition. This includes maintaining a neutral spine, focusing on good posture, and addressing the cause of pain (if you’re even pained) and potential spinal issues that could arise as the discs lose height. The earlier you take steps to maintain spinal health, the better your chances of preventing complications.

Remember, DDD is not a “one-size-fits-all” diagnosis—it’s a broad term that requires further evaluation to understand its full impact on your body. By being proactive and working closely with your healthcare provider, you can help mitigate the effects of DDD and keep your spine functioning optimally for years to come.

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