What is Degenerative Disc Disease of the spine?
The spine is made up of twenty-four bones, called vertebrae. These bones are stacked one on top of the other to form your spine. The vertebrae are separated by a cushioning disc. Passing through the hole of each vertebra is the spinal cord. The spinal cord contains nerves that carry signals from your brain to the rest of your body. Your spine protects your spinal cord. Normally, the disc sandwiched between each vertebra provides the cushioning space that keeps the bones separated. Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is a condition that can occur when the discs no longer function normally because of wear, or from being injured. This can cause pain that limits your ability to perform daily activities. What is the standard plan of care for DDD? Conservative treatment typically consists of use of oral medications, epidurals, physical therapy, etc. If all treatments have failed or have not relieved your symptoms, surgery may be discussed. The traditional method of treatment has been spinal fusi
