Degenerative Spine - Disc Disease

Degenerative Spine - Disc Disease

Degenerative spine/disc disease (DDD) involves degeneration of the discs, ligaments, and joints of your spine. Everyone experiences some change as we get older, but it becomes a concern when the symptoms interfere with your quality of life.

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Degenerative spinal disc disease is a condition marked by the gradual wearing out of the spinal disc, which is the soft, rubber-like material that fills the space between two adjacent vertebrae in the spinal column. This is extremely important as it absorbs any kind of shock, ensuring minimal damage to the spine. The spine disc also plays a role in determining your spinal mobility, allowing you to move, bend and turn easily. This protective cushion can sometimes wear out, owing to varied reasons, the most common of which is age-related wear and tear. Disk degeneration is quite common in people above 40 years of age, although most people will not experience any major symptoms. It also happens to be the leading cause of back pain in adults.

<p>Degenerative spinal disc disease is a condition marked by the gradual wearing out of the spinal disc, which is the soft, rubber-like material that fills the space between two adjacent vertebrae in the spinal column. This is extremely important as it absorbs any kind of shock, ensuring minimal damage to the spine. The spine disc also plays a role in determining your spinal mobility, allowing you to move, bend and turn easily. This protective cushion can sometimes wear out, owing to varied reasons, the most common of which is age-related wear and tear. Disk degeneration is quite common in people above 40 years of age, although most people will not experience any major symptoms. It also happens to be the leading cause of back pain in adults.</p>

Types

The most common degenerative spine disc diseases include:

  • Scoliosis - The condition is marked by an abnormal curvature in the spine, that can be as mild as 10 degrees to as severe as 100 degrees. The majority of the patients suffering from the condition do not need any treatment, however, in extreme cases, it can lead to breathing difficulties by putting excessive pressure on the lungs.
  • Herniated disk - Disk herniation is a condition marked by slipping, rupturing or bulging of a disk. It is one of the top causes of neck, leg and back pain in adults. Every year it affects nearly 2% of the global population.
  • Spinal stenosis - The condition is marked by narrowing of the spaces present between two adjacent vertebrae, which eventually results in the compression of the nerve roots and spinal cord.
  • Spondylolisthesis - It is the leading cause of lower back pain and is marked by slipping of one of the spinal vertebrae out from its position. This puts unnecessary strain on the spine, eventually resulting in spine instability

Symptoms

Degenerative spine disc disease is characterized by chronic pain in the neck and back. You are likely to experience:

  • Frequent bouts of pain that may last for weeks or months at a stretch
  • Numbness or tingling sensation in the lower limbs
  • Pain that radiates towards your buttocks and lower limbs
  • Pain that tends to aggravate with time
  • Pain that becomes worse with movement

Causes

Degenerative spine disk disease is quite common with ageing. Though the symptoms may not be as prominent for everyone. Some of the most common causes of degenerative disk disease include:

Comprehensive Spinal Disc Disease

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Various treatment options available for patients with degenerative spine disk include:

Before the surgery

  • You will be required to undergo some tests, based on which your doctor will discuss the possible treatment options
  • A comprehensive treatment plan will be curated based on your preference
  • You will be required to inform your doctor about your medical history
  • You need to inform your doctor if you are allergic to any medication

On the day of the surgery

  • Once you arrive at the hospital and check in, a nurse will be assigned to guide you.
  • Once necessary assessments are done, you will be taken to the operation theatre and connected to fluids and monitors
  • Your vitals will be thoroughly monitored, throughout the procedure.

Recuperation in the Hospital

  • Right after the surgery, you will be taken to the observation room from where you will be shifted to your room once you gain consciousness
  • Your hospital stay will be planned, depending upon your prognosis. Patients are usually discharged within a week.
  • Your assigned nurses will closely monitor you and take care of your medication
  • You will work with our physiotherapists, who will guide you through the recovery phase
  • A discharge plan will be curated and given to you, containing vital information about your medication.
  • Our rehabilitation team will join you with a specially curated rehabilitation program

Recuperation at home

  • You will be briefed about how to take care of the incision/wound at home
  • You will be given a set of guidelines related to your medication, diet and daily activities
  • The team will schedule your followups and you will be notified about the same

Follow up Care

  • Regular follow-ups are vital for a speedy and complication-free recovery.
  • Stay in touch with your doctor, making sure he/she is well informed about your progress.
  • Make sure you and your doctor are on the same page.

Patient Stories
From Diagnosis to
Recovery

We feel a sense of pride to share the inspiring and uplifting accounts of individuals who have overcome medical challenges with courage, strength, and resilience. These amazing people offer hope to others who may be facing similar health issues.

IBS Hospital’s patient stories highlight the incredible spirit and determination of our patients who refuse to give-up and the unwavering support of their families and caregivers.

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