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Disc degeneration is one of the most common cause of back pain. Disc degeneration involves a structural, functional, mechanical, nutritional and chemical alteration in the affected disc and surrounding structures.
It is important for patients to understand that the amount of pain doesn’t correlate to the amount of disc degeneration. Severely degenerated discs may not produce high levels of pain, and discs with little degeneration can produce severe pain.
Disc protrusion (slipped disc), nerve root inflammation and facet joint pain leading to sciatica (leg pain) can occur as a result of these mechanical changes in the spine.
Bending or twisting causing muscle spasms and tension in the hips, buttocks or leg. Radiating pain (spreading) which feels sharp, stabbing or hot. Pain might increase after prolonged sitting or standing
Pain might reduce in certain positions or with moving positions
The pain is most commonly described as a low grade, continuous pain around the area of the degenerative disc. This pain may occasionally flare up into a more severe, potentially disabling pain.
A medical history is taken by a doctor, physiotherapist, osteopath or chiropractor who will discuss your current and past symptoms of back pain. A physical examination assessing range of movement and neurological tests will also be conducted. An MRI scan is usually used for suspected disc degeneration, which can show disc dehydration, tears or fissures in the disc, or a herniated disc.
You can see any of our doctors or practitioners for most conditions including degenerative disc. Please check out their profiles for more information and specific interests.
All our practitioners are experienced in their fields and trained to treat most conditions with different methods. They work together to find the best treatment most suited to your condition. Check out our services pages to find out more about these therapies.
Most cases are manageable through a combination of pain management methods, exercise/physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications.
Treatments may include pain medication, manual and exercise therapy and acupuncture. For patients who do not respond to manual therapy, our specialist doctors offer injections such as prolotherapy, epidurals and facet joint injections.
It would not be an exaggeration to say that Lorena has changed my life. Four months ago, having been diagnosed as having “severe, acute and chronic” disc degeneration I genuinely thought I was facing a life of disability (I am 49).
Lorena has re-taught me how to move my body and how to think about what muscles I engage to a point that I am now running, swimming and doing pilates again and have almost full flexibility in my spine. It almost feels like Lorena can see through your skin to your muscles, so profound is her understanding of how the body moves.
To find out more and find your local Bupa Clinic for a Bupa Health Assessment click here
