Examination of the back for flexibility, range of motion and the presence of certain signs that suggest nerve roots are being affected by degenerative changes in your back. The diagnosis of degenerative disc disease begins with the patient’s history and a complete physical examination. Depending on the location of degenerative disc, it could cause back pain, radiating leg pain, neck pain, and radiating arm pain.Īs the discs between the intervertebral bodies start to wear out, the entire lumbar spine becomes less flexible resulting in back pain and stiffness. When the condition becomes painful or symptomatic, it can cause several different symptoms due to the compression of the nerve roots. SymptomsĮvery patient is different and it is important to realize that not everyone develops symptoms as a result of degenerative disc disease.
![cervical spine x ray degenerative joint disease cervical spine x ray degenerative joint disease](https://www.jackieheda.com/wp-content/gallery/education/cervical-spondylosis-1.jpg)
At the same time, nucleus pulposus, the soft gel-like substance located in the center of the disc, starts to dry out and shrink. Annulus fibrosis, outer fibers surrounding the disc, become brittle and is more easily torn. CausesĪs people age, intervertebral discs lose their flexibility, elasticity and shock absorbing characteristics. It is caused due to the inflammation of joints because the articular cartilage covering the bones may be damaged or worn out.ĭegenerative disc disease refers to gradual deterioration of the disc between the vertebrae. Degenerative joint disease is commonly known as arthritis that affects feet, fingers, hands, spine and weight-bearing joints.
![cervical spine x ray degenerative joint disease cervical spine x ray degenerative joint disease](https://www.glackinpt.com/hubfs/Degenerative-Disk-Disease.png)
These disorders may be caused due to ageing, infection, tumors, muscle strains or arthritis. Degenerative spinal conditions are a group of disorders that causes loss of normal structure and function of the spine.