Disc desiccation is a common disorder and over 12 million Americans have some sort of Intervertebral disc disease. Surprisingly, few people know about this disorder. Read on to find out more about its causes and treatment.
What Is Disc Desiccation?
Disc desiccation is a very common degenerative disorder of the intervertebral discs, which are the disc in-between each vertebra of the spine. It is a common symptom of aging and is fairly normal part of the aging process, but will get worse with age. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent premature suffering.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Disc Desiccation?
The signs and symptoms of disc desiccation will often come on gradually with age, usually starting with stiffness in the back. The most common symptoms are:
- Changes in the reflex response (an involuntary response to a stimulus) in extremities
- Discomfort or pain
- Pain in the spine or back after movement of the back, such as bending over
- Weakness, numbness, or tingling sensations
How is it Diagnosed?
Disc desiccation will usually be diagnosed by a doctor, starting with a physical exam to see if any particular movements cause pain, to find out which discs are most likely to be affected. After this, the patient will need an MRI, CT scan, or X-Ray to give the doctor a better look at the vertebrae and disc. Discs that are thinner and less consistent in shape are likely to be dehydrated.
What Causes Disc Desiccation?
Disc desiccation often develops as we grow older due to the body substituting a carbohydrate called hydrophilic glycosaminoglycan with fibrocartilage, leading to degeneration of the disc.
However, aging is not the only cause. Other common causes of disc desiccation include:
- Trauma and Injury – this can cause premature loss of disc fluid
- Repetitive movement – this can put strain on the spinal cord and result in degeneration
- Muscle imbalances – when some muscles are stronger than others, it can cause extra strain on certain parts of the spine
How is Disc Desiccation Treated?
There are many treatment options for disc desiccation, ranging from mild to invasive, depending on the severity of the case.
One popular treatment for disc desiccation is to visit a chiropractor (a health professional who specializes in musculoskeletal disorders), as their treatment can not only help this condition but also prevent it, and most chiropractors will be very familiar with this disorder. More information chiropractic care and disc desiccation can be found at Echiro Practor
A doctor or chiropractor will often recommend exercises to provide relief and build strength and range of motion, as well as visits to a physiotherapist or specialist masseuse. However, there are more invasive treatment options available for more severe cases such as:
- Artificial disk replacements – this involves removing the deteriorated disk and replacing it with an artificial one
- Spinal decompression – this involves hydrating the desiccated disc
- Spinal fusion – a slightly controversial treatment that involves removal of the damaged disc
Disc desiccation is a common and often debilitating problem affecting millions of Americans every year, but with early recognition of the symptoms, treatments such as chiropractic care and exercises can help to slow progress and restore quality of life.