Symptomatic Discs

Low back pain is the second most common reason for doctor visits in the U.S.^[1], and nothing is more challenging to diagnose. Many cases are due to symptomatic disc degeneration. While disc degeneration is a natural part Irregular discof the aging process, it may also result from continued injury to the disc nucleus from trauma caused by a sports injury, daily work around the house or in the garden, or a sudden jolt such as a car accident. Such injuries lead to a tearing and scarring process that weakens the disc nucleus causing it to leak pulposus and become progressively drier and more brittle. Unable to act as a cushion, the nucleus collapses. The vertebral bone above and below the damaged disc draw closer together, twisting the spine’s facet joints. Eventually, this unnatural positioning may create bone spurs. If these spurs grow into the spinal canal, they may pinch the spinal cord and nerves and cause spinal stenosis.

Most patients with degenerated discs will have chronic low back pain, with intermittent episodes of severe low back pain. Bending, twisting, and sitting may make the pain worse. Lying down relieves the pressure.