Understanding Degenerative Spine Conditions: Causes, Symptoms & Treatments

Degenerative spine conditions occur when the spine no longer functions properly. The normal structure of the spine and its function are lost gradually, sometimes as a normal part of aging, but can also be the result of arthritis, tumors and infections.

Types

• The most common degenerative spine conditions are spinal stenosis, adult scoliosis, degenerative disc disease, osteoporotic compression fractures and degenerative spondylolisthesis.

Symptoms

• Symptoms of degenerative spine include limited motion, spinal deformity and sharp or chronic pain. You may also have nerve injuries with weakness, sexual dysfunction and bladder or bowel problems.

Treatment

• Treatment of degenerative spine includes exercise to improve flexibility and muscle strength, pain and steroid medications, lumbar braces and spinal collars.

Surgery

• Surgery is used to treat degenerative spine when the condition worsens. Procedures include decompression, fusion and disc replacement.

Prognosis

• The prognosis of degenerative spine depends on how serious the problem. Older age and having a degenerative spinal problem a long time before seeking treatment can make the improvement less promising.