Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is a common condition resulting from the natural aging process of the spine, not an actual disease. The seriousness of a degenerative disc varies greatly from person to person; for many, it is an asymptomatic, normal part of aging, while for others, it can cause severe and debilitating pain that interferes with daily life.
Although degenerative disc disease is not a lethal condition, it can result in significant pain which can lead to diminished quality of life.
While uncommon, patients who have degenerative disc disease that affects the nerve or nerves in the upper cervical spine can experience headaches, eye pain, and ear pain. However, people with chronic or severe headaches should speak with a physician to determine if some other cause of headaches is to blame.
If diagnostic tests indicate that changes in the discs cause vertebrae to move out of place or put pressure on nearby nerves, doctors may recommend surgery, which can include a minimally invasive approach. Physical therapy, acupuncture, and medication may relieve discomfort caused by degenerative disc disease.
Yes, you can qualify for long term disability benefits for degenerative disc disease. Long-term disability (LTD) benefits are an important part of any financial plan. These benefits provide a monthly payment of between 50 and 60% of your salary in the event that you are unable to work due to a disability.
Spinal disk degeneration may start gradually or appear suddenly but will typically progress over the next 20 to 30 years. After it gets to a point of severe and, at times, disabling pain, the spine will eventually restabilize and the pain from the disk will decrease.
SSA will consider disability claims for degenerative disc disease that are supported by medical evidence such as: Physical examination for type and location of pain, range of motion, nerve function, sensation, and muscle strength, with a full review of the entirety of symptoms.
Most people who get to the collapsing stage are not able to live normal lives. Instead, they may be confined to a wheelchair or be bedbound due to their limited mobility and severe pain. Because the collapsing stage is so severe, it is essential that you get your degenerative disc disease treated far beforehand.
If back or neck pain caused by degenerative disc disease doesn't respond to medication or therapeutic injections, NYU Langone doctors may recommend a surgical procedure. Surgeons may remove some or all of a damaged disc, take pressure off a pinched nerve, or eliminate movement between the bones of the spine.
A CT scan may be able to better demonstrate osteophytes as well as endplate sclerosis and vacuum disc sign, all related to findings of degenerative disc disease [4]. A CT scan is performed in a non-weight-bearing position and is of limited use to assess any dynamic instability in the lumbar spine.
Sometimes, disc degeneration also triggers outgrowths, bone spurs that form along the spine and pinch or compress the spinal nerve. If this kind of spinal damage progresses, more serious symptoms may develop, such as: Trouble walking. Problems with bladder control.
They can range from nagging pain to disabling pain. Pain can affect the low back, buttocks and thighs or the neck, depending on where the affected disc is, radiating to the arms and hands. Numbness and tingling in the extremities. Weakness in the leg muscles or foot drop, a possible sign of damage to the nerve root.
Ear pain and neck pain can be a result of prolonged poor posture, carrying something heavy or sleeping in an awkward position. Muscle tension causes ear pain due to the fact that the neck and ear muscles are connected. You may notice behind the ear, specifically, is where you feel muscle strain.
Diagnostic Procedures. Evaluating DDD typically begins with a review of your medical history and symptoms, as well as a physical examination to assess mobility, strength, and neurological function. Imaging studies play a crucial role in confirming the diagnosis and understanding the extent of disc damage.
The new substance, a hyaluronic acid granular hydrogel, is made of many microparticles that can be injected easily into the discs between vertebrae to provide cushioning and shock absorption, which could help eliminate back pain in people with degenerative disc disease.
Yes, you can work with degenerative disc disease, but it depends on the severity and your work conditions. Many individuals in New Jersey continue to work with degenerative disc disease by managing their symptoms through medical treatments, physical therapy, and lifestyle adjustments.
As with all types of surgery, there's a risk of dying during or after lumbar decompression surgery, although this is rare. A blood clot, a bad reaction to the anaesthetic and blood loss can all be life-threatening.
L4-L5 herniated disc surgery is recommended if your symptoms do not improve after 6 to 12 weeks of non-surgical treatments or interfere with daily work activities.
Once you reach the point of needing surgery, the symptoms probably won't resolve on their own. Untreated nerve compression or spinal instability can cause increasing disability or pain over time. If weakness or numbness progresses, you may struggle to perform basic tasks like holding a cup of coffee or typing a text.
While DDD can happen to anyone, it's more commonly seen in people over 50. In fact, research suggests that around 40% of folks between 40 and 59 years old, and a whopping 80% of those aged 80 or older, have some level of degenerative disc disease.
A herniated disc often tends to be considered more serious by the medical community because a portion of the nucleus, or inside material pushes out into the nerve.
Degenerative disc disease is a painful and potentially debilitating condition of the spine. Social Security disability benefits may be available to those who are unable to work because of the symptoms associated with the condition.
You may experience pain that: Comes and goes, lasting for weeks or months at a time. Radiates down your lower back and buttocks. Worsens with sitting, bending or lifting.
Based on our estimated calculations using multiple averages we estimate that the average degenerative disc disease workers compensation settlement is $120,000. However, if your whole person impairment is assessed at being greater than 15%, you might be entitled to a significantly higher amount of a lump sum payout.
Perhaps you wonder if this spinal condition and its associated pain and movement limitations will impact how you work, or even if you can keep your job. The answer is yes, you likely can, but you will need to use smart strategies to reduce stress and strain on your back.