Degenerative disc disease and sciatica are two common medical conditions that affect not only physical health but also the quality of life and day-to-day function. These disorders, which stem from the complex anatomy and physiology of the spinal column, can cause a range of symptoms that interfere with your daily life, including excruciating chronic pain and limited mobility. In this article, we will discuss how degenerative disc disease and sciatica are related, as well as their causes and treatments available to help relieve pain.
Despite its name, degenerative disk disease is not an illness but rather a condition that develops over time due to sports, daily activities, injuries, or the drying out and shrinking of a spinal disk.
The spine is a complex anatomic structure that is essential to perform most body movements and endure forces from many directions. The discs that connect each set of vertebrae allow the spine to bend, twist, compress, and extend. These discs consist of a soft, gel-like inner layer and a hard, fibrous outer layer. While the inner layer enables compression and flexibility, the outer layer supports the spine.
As your body ages and the spine is subjected to excessive strain, these discs can begin to deteriorate, leading to spinal degeneration. This is known as degenerative disc disease (DDD). It causes the outer layer of the disc to degrade and crack, while the inner layer may start to dry out, reducing the disc’s ability to withstand compression. When a disc degenerates, the affected area of the spine can stiffen, leading to pain when moving in specific ways. Furthermore, the damaged disc becomes more prone to injury.
Sciatica is caused by a compressed or irritated nerve in the lower spine, and it can lead to symptoms throughout the back and legs. It is a common type of pain that affects the sciatic nerve, which is an extensive bundle of nerves that extend from your lower spinal cord through your buttocks and down the back of each leg. Sciatica is a symptom of another issue with the sciatic nerve rather than a disease in and of itself. It is characterised by pain that radiates from the lower back down one leg, sometimes all the way to the foot. Each person experiences sciatica differently, as it can be caused by a variety of factors, including physical injuries and the ageing process. It can also worsen due to specific medical conditions such as diabetes and obesity.
Sciatica pain can occur practically anywhere along the nerve route. It is most likely to travel from the lower back to the buttocks, as well as the back of the thigh and the calf. The intensity of the pain can vary from a slight ache to a strong, searing sensation. It can, sometimes, feel like an electric shock or jolt and get worse when you cough, sneeze, or sit for a long time. Sciatica typically affects only one side of the body. Moreover, some people experience numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness in their legs or feet. There may also be numbness in one area of the leg and pain in another.
The spine is surrounded by many nerves branching from the spinal cord and travelling throughout the body. When a disc herniates, its inner layer, also known as the nucleus pulposus, can exert pressure on one of the nerves, pinching it. If the pinched nerve is in the neck, it usually leads to numbness or tingling in the arms. However, if the disk herniation is in the lower back, it can cause numbness or tingling down the legs.
When a disc collapses due to degenerative disc degeneration, your vertebra can become unstable and put pressure on your sciatic nerve. Moreover, bone spurs form as a result of disc degeneration, pinching nerves in one or both legs and causing radiating pain related to sciatica.
Physicians can diagnose degenerative disc disease and sciatica through associated symptoms and confirm the findings using X-rays and MRIs. This allows them to examine the spine and identify any compressed, dried-out, or herniated discs. Once they determine the specific issue and its location, doctors can decide on the best course of treatment. DDD and sciatic nerve pain are often treated with medications that help to relieve pain, relax muscles, and reduce inflammation around the injured disc. Physical therapy is another treatment option that contributes to improving strength and flexibility, relieving strain on the damaged disc and nerves.
Even though oral medication and physical therapy can help with pain management, surgical procedures may be required to treat severe cases. The surgeries often involve removing the injured section of a herniated disc or damaged fragments of bone in the spine. These surgeries can be successful; however, they require lengthy recovery periods and physical therapy to restore strength and functionality.
The Advanced Brain and Spine Surgical Centre specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of complex neurological and spinal disorders. Whether you are suffering due to a degenerative spine or any other issue in your nervous system, we are capable of providing you with the required treatment. Our team is committed to offering personalised care that will enhance your quality of life. Contact us to schedule a consultation and begin your journey of rehabilitation.
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We provide quality specialised care for neuro and spine conditions.
For enquiries, leave a message and our friendly team will get in touch with you.
Monday – Friday: 9:00AM – 5:00PM
Saturday: 9:00AM – 12:30PM
Sunday & Public Holiday: Closed
We provide quality specialised care for neuro and spine conditions.
For enquiries, leave a message and our friendly team will get in touch with you.
Monday – Friday: 9:00AM – 5:00PM
Saturday: 9:00AM – 12:30PM
Sunday & Public Holiday: Closed
We provide quality specialised care for neuro and spine conditions.
For enquiries, leave a message and our friendly team will get in
touch with you.
Monday – Friday: 9AM – 1PM | 2PM – 5PM
Weekends & Public Holidays: CLOSED
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