Is degenerative disc disease permanent?

Last updated on July 16th, 2019. Answer: Unfortunately, there’s currently no cure for degenerative disc disease, and once you’re diagnosed with DDD, it’s typically a lifelong journey of learning to live with back pain, neck pain, or other symptoms.

Does everyone get degenerative disc disease?

What is degenerative disc disease? Nearly everyone’s spinal discs show signs of wear as they age. Not everyone, however, will have degenerative disc disease. Not actually a disease, this is a condition in which a damaged disc causes pain.

Is there a cure for degenerative disc disease?

The answer is most commonly no, once the disc is damaged, it’s there for life. (2) However, with the right treatment and care, you can significantly reduce the symptoms of it. How can you tell if you have degenerative disc disease? There are a few symptoms you need to look out for.

What does it mean to have degenerative disc disease?

Degenerative disc disease is when the discs between the vertebrae of your spine cause pain. (1) This usually happens as we grow older, as our discs begin to show wear and tear. Disc degeneration happens in everyone, as the discs take damage from the general use of them over the years.

How is degenerative disc disease treated at Johns Hopkins?

Our orthopaedic spine specialists use high-precision diagnostic techniques that allow them to identify the location and degree of disc degeneration with high accuracy. Cervical, lumbar and thoracic degenerative disc disease, as well as bulging and herniated discs, are some of the disc-related conditions our specialists are experienced in treating.

How is a spinal fusion done for degenerative disc disease?

During a spinal fusion surgery for degenerative disc disease, the surgeon places bone or bone-like material between the two vertebrae that are affected by disc degeneration. Metal plates, rods, screws, or cages may be implanted to hold the vertebrae together so they heal into one solid unit.

Can degenerative disc disease go away on its own?

Although degenerative disc disease won’t completely go away on its own, many patients find symptoms respond favorably to simple lifestyle changes, such as: Following a healthy diet.

What are the stages of degenerative disc disease?

Lifting heavy items incorrectly by not using the legs, twisting while lifting, and trauma can all damage the disks. Degenerative disc disease is broken down into three stages: dysfunction, instability, and restabilization or auto-fusion. Each stage has associated signs, symptoms, and duration.

How do you get degenerative disc disease?

Degenerative disc disease happens when one or more discs between the vertebrae (bones in your spine) wear down. Discs act like a cushion between your vertebrae and help to stabilize your spine. Degenerative disc disease commonly occurs in the neck or lower back as you get older.

What can you do for DDD?

Therapeutic treatments for DDD include the following: Chiropractic treatment to manipulate the spine. Acupuncture to relieve pain. Massage therapy to relieve muscle spasms and tension. Physical therapy to improve function and increase flexibility and strength.