What is thoracic degenerative disc disease?
What is thoracic degenerative disc disease?
Thoracic degenerative disc disease refers to the degeneration, or breakdown, of the shock-absorbing intervertebral discs that cushion the vertebrae in the upper and middle back (called the thoracic spine). It develops most frequently in middle-aged people or young adults with active lifestyles.
What causes thoracic degenerative disc disease?
Degenerative disc disease is usually associated with the normal effects of aging. The discs between the bones of the spine are made up of cartilage, fibrous tissue, and water. With age, these discs can weaken and may flatten, bulge, or break down.
What is the best treatment for degeneration of the spine?
Degenerative disc disease surgery might include spinal fusion, or replacing the discs with artificial discs….To manage pain and improve the health of your joints, you can:
- Lose weight.
- Stop smoking.
- Exercise.
- Modify exercise that aggravates your back.
- Do physical therapy exercises.
- Use heat and cold therapy.
- Wear a back brace.
How bad is degenerative disc disease?
The condition starts with damage to the spine, but in time, symptoms can affect other parts of the body. Symptoms usually get worse with age. The discomfort can range from mild to severe and debilitating. It can lead to osteoarthritis, with pain and stiffness in the back.
What is the end result of degenerative disc disease?
The final stage of degenerative disc disease is the most severe and is typically considered irreversible. Discs are at their thinnest or gone altogether. The flexibility of the spine is extremely limited and pain is often considerable.
What can I do with degenerative disc disease?
How is degenerative disc disease treated? NSAIDs , such as ibuprofen, help decrease swelling, pain, and fever. Acetaminophen decreases pain. Prescription pain medicine may be given. Physical therapy may be recommended to decrease pain and help improve movement and strength. Spinal injections may help to decrease pain and inflammation around the disc.
What are causes of degenerative disc disease?
The main cause for degenerative disc disease is the wear and tear of the discs due to natural aging process in a human being. This gradual deterioration of the discs between the vertebrae is described as degenerative disc disease.
What does a diagnosis of degenerative disc disease mean?
Diagnosis Degenerative disc disease is an age-related condition that happens when one or more of the discs between the vertebrae of the spinal column deteriorates or breaks down, leading to pain….
What surgery is done for degenerative disc disease?
The standard surgical treatment for lumbar degenerative disc disease is a fusion surgery, in which two vertebrae are grafted together. The goal of fusion surgery is to reduce pain by eliminating motion at the spinal segment.
