Understanding Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) in the Lower Thoracic Spine

Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is a common disorder also known as osteoarthritis of the spine. According the American Association Of Neurological Surgeons, approximately 65 million people suffer from back pain each year.

Identification

• DDD usually affects people over 50 years of age. It is a degenerative condition that can cause back pain from damaged discs placing pressure on the nerve roots of the spine.

Symptoms

• The symptoms of DDD are chronic thoracic or low back pain, leg pain and an increase in discomfort from sitting, bending or lifting.

Causes

• Perhaps the most common cause of DDD is aging. According to the Chicago Institute Of Neurosurgery and Neuroresearch, 85 percent of the population shows some signs of disc degeneration by the age of 50. Age also causes tendons and ligaments to thicken, making them less flexible.

Treatment

• DDD can be treated with physical therapy, rest, steroids, anti-inflammatory medicines and lifestyle modifications. Surgery may be recommended if these treatments do not provide relief from pain. Surgery to correct back pain from DDD could involve fusing of the discs of the spine.

Considerations

• DDD is a potentially debilitating condition that can affect a person's life in a negative way. If non-surgical treatment is not effective in relieving pain within three months, surgery may be necessary.