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What Is Degenerative Disc Disease?

Orthopedic Specialists Blog What Is Degenerative Disc Disease?

What Are Spinal Discs?

Discs separate and cushion the vertebral bones that make up the spine. They are made up of a gelatinous substance encased in a fibrous capsule. With age, these can deteriorate and shrink, a condition known as degenerative disc disease or spine arthritis. This causes a loss of height in between the vertebrae and can cause neck and back pain.

Over time, the affected vertebrae can rub together and cause bony protrusions known as bone spurs. This excess bone can directly irritate the nerves that exit the spine, or it can tear the disc exterior and cause the jelly-like substance within to protrude and rub against the nerves. This condition is called herniated disc.  

What are the symptoms of degenerative disc disease?

Some people never feel the effects of spine arthritis; others experience bouts of intense pain, numbness, or muscle weakness. The symptoms can spread to the arms and legs and get worse when you are sitting. 

While there is no cure for degenerative disc disease, our Palm Harbor spine specialists, Dr. Taylor Beatty and Dr. Andrew Maser, have the experience you need to diagnose and treat symptoms of this condition. Learn the details here. 

To schedule an appointment, call 727 496-2391.

Author
Marie Eide Marie Eide is the social media and content strategist at Orthopedic Specialists. She has been writing in the healthcare space for 15 years. All content is reviewed by our physicians.

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