How to Recognize the Symptoms of Degenerative Disc Disease

Degenerative disc disease is not actually considered a disease but a medical term used to define the changes that take place in your spinal disc as you grow old. Spinal discs act as a partition between the interlocked bones that make up the spine. They also work as shock absorbers of the spine facilitating flexing, bending and twisting of the body.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Look out for low back pain centered in the midline that worsens with sitting.
2. Check if the pain is severe while bending and twisting of the body. The patient may feel better while walking and running, than prolonged sitting or standing.
3. See if the pain often radiates down to buttocks, upper thighs, legs or feet.
4. Find out if there is numbness or weakness in one or both the legs as it suggests degenerative disc problem.
5. Monitor the frequency and duration of severe pain. Any pain that is severe and lasts from a few days to a month indicates problem with spinal discs.

Tips & Warnings

• Give up smoking as it aggravates the degeneration of spine. This is all the more necessary if there is history of degenerative disc in your family.
• Regular exercise of the back goes a long way in preventing the disease.
• Changing positions frequently or lying down flat may also offer relief to the patient.