Degenerative Disc Disease (Discopathy): Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, Exercises

What is discopathy?

Discopathy is a disease which affects intervertebral discs, which are disks found between two of the vertebrae in the vertebral column. The most common type of the disease is degenerative discopathy which is a process that mainly takes place due to osteoarthritis. It can be described as the stiffening, and also gradual settlement of the discs, which commonly affects those found at the base of the lumbar, between the L5 and S1 vertebrae.

Discopathy is the most common vertebral column disease.

What causes discopathy?

Discopathy occurs due to the deterioration or wear and tear of one or several intervertebral discs over time, linked to osteoarthritis. The latter disease is a chronic ailment that can be identified through persistent joint aches and pains which are caused when the cartilage and the joint itself become abnormally worn down.

Discopathy can occur at any age, despite the fact that old age is one of the contributing factors. The disease usually occurs because of repetitive microtrauma or physical stress, but it can also be caused by congenital anomalies. Intervertebral disc wear can appear anywhere along the spine, but it quite often occurs in the lower back, the lumbar.

Symptoms: How can discopathy be identified?

Discopathy can be identified by a pain at the nape of the neck or the back depending on the affected area. Lumbago and lower back pains are usually the most common symptoms.

As discopathy gets worse, it can also lead to the compression of nerve endings, which causes reduced sensitivity, tingling and a sensation of weakness or pain in the legs. The vertebral column may also become stiff, especially at the end of the day.

Treatment: How can you treat discopathy?

Treatment consists of easing any aches and pains by taking painkillers and anti-inflammatory medicines. Physiotherapy rehabilitation sessions can also be undertaken for the same purpose. When these treatments are combined with rest, in the majority of cases, patients will see a reduction in pain over time.

Whether or not discopathy has a cure, the best means of preventing it is regular exercising as well as having a healthy lifestyle, to ensure good blood circulation to your back muscles to help to support them. On another note, losing weight may also be necessary to ease the burden on the lower back vertebrae in particularly.

Surgery may be considered in cases where the pain is significant, and medical treatments have become ineffective and the disease is causing problems with the nervous system such as motor deficits or sensory disorders.