In your spine, a soft disc sits between each vertebral body, helping the spine bear weight, absorb shock, and maintain flexibility. The disc has two main parts, a tough ring called the annulus fibrosis and a water-filled center called the nucleus pulposus. (See also: Back to basics: Spine anatomy)

Degenerative disc disease. Degenerative disc disease (sometimes called DDD) is defined simply as wear and tear on the disc, which may occur due to normal aging or longstanding trauma. The condition is caused by small tears in the annulus and loss of water content.

Degeneration can lead to disc bulging, development of bone spurs (or osteophytes), and loss of disc space height and/or alignment, which can cause nerve impingement. Degenerative disc disease can also lead to degenerative instability and the loss of the spine’s ability to move normally while bearing the average person’s body weight. from the nucleus.

Symptoms:
• Pain at the site of the injury
• Pain, numbness, or tingling in the legs
• Strong pain that tends to come and go
• Pain is worse when bending, twisting, and/or sitting
• Lying down relieves pressure on the spine

Disc herniation. When an intervertebral disc herniates, the nucleus pushes its way out through the annulus. The resulting bulge may put pressure on nerve roots or encroach on the spinal canal. This nerve compression can cause pain in the lower limbs.

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