Between each of the vertebrae of the human spine are discs. These discs prevent the vertebrae from rubbing against each other, allowing the spine to be flexible. They also provide support for the vertebrae. However, like bones, these spinal discs deteriorate with age.

In some people, the deterioration is more severe. This is known as spondylosis or spinal osteoarthritis, commonly referred to as degenerative disc disease. Degenerative disc disease is most common in adults over the age of 30, and can cause a wide range of symptoms.

Symptoms

Not every case of degenerative disc disease is the same. Because the discs deteriorate in different places and at different rates, the pain caused by this condition is different for every person. Common symptoms of degenerative disc disease include:

• Stiffness, loss of flexibility
• Tingling or numbness
• Inflammation of the spine
• Bone spurs

As frustrating as these symptoms can be, most can be treated through non-surgical methods. The important thing is to get your spine inspected early before the disease begins to disrupt your life.

Diagnosis

Degenerative disc disease is primarily diagnosed through medical imaging, such as a CT scan, an MRI or an X-ray. These tests can reveal deformities in the spine such as shrinkage in certain areas, bone spurs or other abnormalities, and areas where there is more pressure on the nerves or spinal cord. A diagnosis and treatment plan can be developed based on the results of the medical imaging.

Treatments

Since each condition is different, exact treatment programs will be different. However, there are several avenues of treatment that have proven helpful in cases of degenerative disc disease:

• Physical Therapy: To help restore flexibility and strength to your spine, physical therapy may be recommended. Treatment may also involve a behavioral portion, designed to teach you better working and movement habits.
• Spinal Traction: This stretching technique is recommended in cases where the nerves are being compressed by the shrinking vertebrae.
• Medicines: Painkillers, muscle relaxants and anti-inflammatory drugs are often prescribed to assist patients with managing their pain.
• Alternative Treatments: Acupuncture, behavioral modification therapy, deep tissue massage and yoga have shown to help patients manage their condition. These can be used in conjunction with other forms of treatment.
• Surgery: The symptoms and the progression of the disease will determine whether surgeries such as discectomy, percutaneous disc compression or spinal fusion are necessary. Surgery is usually considered a last resort for degenerative disc disease.

Early diagnosis and treatment can make degenerative disc disease manageable so those who suffer from the disease are able to maintain a normal lifestyle. Make an appointment with your physician to reach a diagnosis and discuss possible solutions to relieve the pain.

Between the vertebrae in the spine are soft discs that prevent the bones from rubbing against each other. They also allow the spine to be flexible and strong by acting as shock absorbers for the twisting and turning that the spine does every day.

As we grow older, these soft discs gradually harden, making our spines less flexible and more prone to injury. When too much pressure is put on the disc, the outer layer bulges. This is called a bulging disc.

Alone, a bulging disc is not necessarily a debilitating condition, but it can be painful. However, it should be treated immediately before it becomes herniated. In some instances, a bulging disc can put pressure on the nerves in the spine, causing a great deal of pain. If the bulging disc continues adding pressure to the nerves, damage can result.

Medical imaging, such as a CT scan, MRI or X-ray, can help identify bulging discs. Your physician should review the symptoms and determine if medical imaging is necessary to determine if there is a bulging disc or other back problem.

Symptoms

Sometimes bulging discs go unnoticed because they are not pressing on nerves or otherwise causing pain. However, the majority of people with bulging discs experience some sort of pain.

The symptoms produced vary based on where the bulging disc is located.

• Tingling and numbness in the fingers, hands, arms, shoulders and neck.
• Weakness or pain in the toes, feet, legs, and buttocks
• Gastrointestinal problems (incontinence)
• Chest pain
• Sciatica

Treatments

Some bulging disc conditions eventually heal without extreme treatment methods beyond behavioral, occupational or physical therapy. However, sometimes the condition is more complex and needs further treatment methods to manage the pain and relieve the pressure of the disc. Such treatments can include the following:

• Medicines such as anti-inflammatories and pain killers
• Ice and heat therapy
• Cortisone injections
• Mild exercises
• Surgery

Bulging discs should not be ignored. Early diagnosis and proper treatment can relieve the pain and help release the pressure on the disc. It is important to seek an evaluation from a doctor if you suspect of having a bulging disc. The doctor can develop an appropriate treatment plan to get you on track to a pain-free back

Spondylolisthesis is a serious and painful disorder of the spine characterized by a displaced vertebra that puts pressure on the surrounding nerves, tissues and vertebrae.  This spinal condition can be debilitating if the pressure is severe or the position of the vertebra prevents normal movement of the spine.  Spondylolisthesis has a number of causes, including:

•             Stress fractures

•             Arthritis

•             Infections

•             Injuries and accidents

•             Deterioration due to age or overuse

•             Congenital birth defects

Depending on the location of the displaced vertebra, patients typically experience symptoms that include:

•             Severe back pain

•             Stiffness or immobility

•             Pain in the buttocks or legs

•             Difficulty in standing, sitting or walking normally

•             Numbness or weakness in the legs or hips

•             Increased pain when turning, bending or moving

•             Decreased control of bladder and bowels

Most patients experience one or more of these symptoms.  In rare cases, spondylolisthesis may not produce any noticeable symptoms at all.

Diagnosing Spondylolisthesis

X-rays are generally used to diagnose spondylolisthesis and can help doctors pinpoint the source of the pain and the problem.  While the displaced vertebra is usually easy to identify, determining the reason for the displacement may require the use of CT scans or MRI imaging techniques.  These advanced imaging systems can provide valuable information to physicians and other medical personnel in making a diagnosis and deciding on a treatment plan for patients with spondylolisthesis.

Non-surgical Treatments for Spondylolisthesis

Patients diagnosed with spondylolisthesis are often advised to avoid strenuous physical activity.  Over-the-counter medication may help to relieve pain and inflammation, but some patients may require prescription medications to control their pain effectively.  Depending on the severity of the displacement, physicians may adopt a conservative approach that combines pain management and reduced activity.  This strategy is intended to give the spine time to heal.  Anti-inflammatory and pain relief medications may also be injected directly into the affected area to provide more effective control of back pain when other methods have failed.  Some patients with spondylolisthesis can benefit from physical therapy sessions to relax and strengthen the muscles of the back.  A back brace may be recommended to provide extra support.

Surgical Techniques

If spondylolisthesis does not respond to conservative treatments, it may be necessary to perform surgery to correct the displacement of the vertebra and relieve the pressure on tissues, other bones, and nerves in and around the spinal column.  Spinal fusion and decompressive laminectomy are the most common types of surgeries performed to treat spondylolisthesis.

•             Spinal fusion uses bone graft technology and advanced surgical techniques to fuse two vertebrae together, holding both in place and creating a new bone structure that prevents the displaced vertebra from returning to its misaligned state.  This surgical procedure stabilizes the spine but may reduce mobility and flexibility in the affected area.

•             Decompressive laminectomy removes a portion of the displaced vertebra to relieve pressure and pain at the site.  This procedure can often provide significant pain relief for patients suffering from spondylolisthesis.

Minimally invasive surgical techniques can allow faster recovery times for patients who undergo these procedures.

In all cases of chronic or severe back pain, it is essential to seek the advice of a qualified medical professional.  Early detection is often the key to full recovery, so individuals who suspect they may have spondylolisthesis or any other spinal disorder should consult a physician for diagnosis and treatment.

Lower back pain is an ailment that affects a large number of people at some point in their lives. The pain is due to a number of things including overuse, traumatic injury, degeneration, obesity and more. The cause of the pain is often helpful in determining the best treatment.
Acute or Chronic?

Pain lasting less than 3 months is usually categorized as acute. This is easier to treat and easier to get rid of. As soon as you feel the pain, you should consider low back pain treatment. For acute instances, this would include heat before activity and ice afterwards. The use of over the counter pain and anti-inflammatory medications would be appropriate. There are a number of ways to protect your back from further pain. Be aware of your body at all times. Self-massaging the area with a tennis ball can be helpful. Lower back pain treatment can often be done from the comfort of your home.

Staying active through the pain is important. Take it easy, but don’t stop all activity, as this can cause the pain to worsen. Your muscles still need to move to help the body heal itself. If the pain persists, seeing a doctor would be the next step.

Once the pain reaches the chronic stage, you will need to find more aggressive with your treatment. If you make a visit to the doctor, you will most likely get an X-ray to determine if there are any problems with the bones in your back. If this is inconclusive an MRI may be ordered. The MRI uses magnets to take a better picture of what is going on. From here, the doctor will be able to determine your ailment and will prescribe lower back pain treatment. Depending on what they doctor determines, this may include physical therapy, prescription medication or modifying activity. If obesity is a factor in your pain, the doctor may tell you to lose weight.
What’s Best For You?

If you are struggling with pain, you may want to seek out lower back pain treatment. In the acute phases of low back pain, most of the treatment can be done at home, but if these options fail, you may need to visit a doctor. The doctor will use a few devices in an attempt to diagnose your pain. After the doctor determines the cause he will prescribe a lower back pain treatment plan for you to follow