Degenerative Disc Disease Symptoms

Degenerative disc disease symptoms, like the symptoms of other neck and back conditions, can appear in a number of different ways. The most commonly reported symptom is pain, but other symptoms can arise. At the site of the disc degeneration, stiffness can be felt in addition to the pain. Also, symptoms of muscle weakness, muscle spasms, numbness, tingling, pins and needles, and heat may radiate throughout the extremities. The symptoms are known to subside on their own most of the time, but there are cases in which they can persist and become debilitating.

Localized and Radiating Symptoms

The symptoms from degenerative disc disease, or DDD, will either be experienced at the site of the disc degeneration or they may radiate through the body. First, let's examine why the disc itself might hurt. The intervertebral discs consist of a tough outer wall (annulus fibrosus) and a soft inner core (nucleus pulposus). When a disc degenerates over time, the outer wall can become weak and brittle. Eventually, the outer wall might rupture and allow some of the core material to push through. The outer third of the wall is innervated, so when a tear occurs and inflammatory fluids leak out, the deteriorated disc can feel tender and painful.

Now that we know why the deteriorated disc might hurt, let's discuss how painful symptoms might travel throughout other areas of the body. The reason for radiating pain lies in two separate nervous systems: the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system. The central nervous system consists of the brain and the spinal cord, and these are joined with the nerves that travel throughout the body (the peripheral nervous system). From the neck to the lower back, nerve roots branch off the spinal cord and join with the peripheral nervous system. The intervertebral discs are located extremely close to the spinal cord and nerve roots, so in cases of DDD, tissue from a deteriorating disc might impinge either the spinal cord or a nerve root. When this impingement occurs, symptoms of pain, muscle weakness, tingling, or numbness might be felt along the course of the nerve wherever it braches out to.

When Your Symptoms Persist

If you have experienced any of the aforementioned symptoms of degenerative disc disease for a prolonged period of time, please see your doctor. There is a chance that you may be a victim of painful disc degeneration. However, there is also the ever-present possibility that the symptoms you have been experiencing are the result of a completely different condition. Doing research at home and investigating possible causes of your neck or back pain are encouraged and can be helpful, but remember that only a doctor can give you an accurate diagnosis.