1. By: Chris Staten

3. 
It’s not a disease but rather a degenerative condition which
causes chronic pain from a damaged disk

Intervertebral disk disorder associated with nervous
system

Can occur anywhere in the spine, but most common in the
cervical and lumbar regions

Everyone eventually acquires this disease as we age

4. 
Onset of DDD affect people in their 30s and 40s

Severe back pain radiating down the sciatic nerve

Burning, tingling, weakness and numbness in arms or legs

Standing, sitting, driving, bending, lifting, twisting, and
kneeling can heighten pain levels

5. 
Nucleus deteriorates with aging resulting in disk
degeneration

Loss of disk fluid creates stenosis of the vertebral bodies

Narrowing of the vertebrae put pressure on nerve roots

Bulging or ruptured disks are cracks of the outer surface
from heavy lifting or auto accident

6. 
Initially a physical exam consisting of range of
motion, check nerve-related changes, and look for
fractures or infection

X-rays would show the narrowing between the vertebral
bodies

CT scan shows how much space is available for the nerve
roots to pass through

MRI tests are the most significant diagnostic imaging that
shows disk herniation and compressed nerves

7. 
Modifying daily activities and physical therapy

Analgesics, NSAIDs and oral steroids are prescribed to
reduce pain

Epidural injections and nerve root blocks are before
surgery

Surgery is a last resort for treatment of DDD

8. 
Due to the aging process, DDD is impossible to prevent

Quitting smoking and regular exercises can reduce the
early onset of the disease

Proper ergonomics when standing, sitting, and lifting are
also helpful

9. 
Depends on the individual, the severity of degenerative
changes, and type of work

Most people recover after 6-12 weeks and some never
recover