Lumbar Degenerative Disc Disease

The intervertebral disc lies between each of the bones of your spine (called vertebra). The lumbar disc serves as a cushion between the vertebra allowing movement of the spine and absorbing forces on the lower back.

Each disc is a cylindrical pad composed of an outer annulus and an inner gel. When the outer covering of the disc (annulus) weakens and the inner gel losses water, it starts the aging process known as disc degeneration. When the outer covering of the disc degenerates, it can tear or rupture releasing inflammatory chemicals which causes back pain. And further disc degenerates cause chronic back or mechanical axial pain. The lower back becomes stiffer and unable to bend or resist external forces that are normally well tolerated.

Traumatic events such as accidents, extra strain during sports, heavy lifting and bending, twisting (as in golf) may cause weakening or tearing of the disc and lead to disc degeneration. Most patients with disc degeneration can manage their lower back pain with proper exercise, stretching and core conditioning.

Surgery may be necessary when conservative measures fail. Replacing the Lumbar Disc with an artificial disc replacement (preserving motion), fusion of an unstable Lumbar Disc or intradiscal injection therapy are potential options.