Robert Moghim MD
Anchor Healthcare
Lumbar Disc Degeneration
1746878015
Lumbar disc degeneration happens when the cushioning discs in the lower spine wear down, leading to pain and stiffness. This occurs naturally with age as discs dry out and lose elasticity, but factors like injuries, genetics, obesity, or smoking can speed up the process. As discs break down, they may lose their ability to absorb shock, leading to lower back pain, especially when sitting, bending, or staying in one position. If degeneration presses on nearby nerves, it can cause leg pain, known as sciatica.
Diagnosis includes a physical exam to check pain levels, movement restrictions, and nerve function. Imaging tests like MRI or X-rays evaluate disc degeneration and related issues like nerve compression. Sometimes discography is used to pinpoint pain, but it’s not always required. The lumbar or facet joints may also need attention in treatment.
There is no cure, but symptoms can be managed. Physical therapy, focusing on strengthening core muscles, posture, and flexibility, is often the first treatment. Anti-inflammatory medications reduce pain and swelling. Lifestyle changes, like keeping a healthy weight, being active, and quitting smoking, can slow progression and ease symptoms.
For severe pain, advanced treatments may include injections to reduce inflammation and, if needed, surgery like spinal fusion or artificial disc replacement to relieve nerve compression.
Additional options like injections directly into the disc, using regenerative medicine therapies such as PRP or bone marrow-derived cells, may promote healing and reduce inflammation. Since it’s a progressive condition, regular follow-ups with a provider can help adjust treatments. Consult our team for the best treatment plan for you.
FAQs
How is lumbar disc degeneration diagnosed?
Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination to assess pain and movement restrictions, as well as imaging tests like MRI or X-rays. These tests help evaluate the extent of disc degeneration and check for any associated issues such as nerve compression. Discography might be used in some cases to pinpoint specific pain sources.
What are the common symptoms of lumbar disc degeneration?
The main symptoms include lower back pain, which may worsen when sitting, bending, or maintaining one position for a prolonged period. If the degeneration affects nearby nerves, it can lead to sciatica—characterized by leg pain—and potentially numbness or weakness in the legs.
What are the treatment options for lumbar disc degeneration?
While there is no cure, symptoms can be managed with physical therapy to strengthen core muscles and improve posture, along with anti-inflammatory medications for pain relief. Lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy weight and quitting smoking can slow progression. Severe cases may require injections, spinal fusion, or artificial disc replacement surgery.
What is lumbar disc degeneration?
Lumbar disc degeneration refers to the gradual wearing down of the cushioning discs in the lower spine, which can lead to pain and stiffness. This process happens naturally with age as discs dry out and lose their elasticity. However, injury, genetics, obesity, and smoking can accelerate the degeneration.
What risks are associated with untreated lumbar disc degeneration?
Untreated lumbar disc degeneration may lead to worsening back pain, decreased mobility, and complications such as spinal stenosis or spondylolisthesis. Chronic nerve compression could cause permanent neurological deficits, like weakness or paralysis, necessitating early intervention and proper management to prevent severe outcomes.