Disc Desiccation

Our spine is made of a number of small bones, called vertebrae, that provide us flexibility to bend and twist on our back. The space between consecutive vertebrae has a soft, flat, jelly-like disc. These discs act as shock absorbers as the spine moves slightly back and forth about its vertical axis when one walks. Disc desiccation is a disc degenerative condition that can be one of the common causes of severe back pain. This may occur at any time in one's life due to trauma. However, it is also a very common consequence of the aging process. Although it may occur at any part of the spinal column, disc desiccation more commonly occurs along the lumbar region in the lower back (known as lumbar disc desiccation) or in the cervical region along the neck.

What is Disc Desiccation?

Each intervertebral disc has a lot of fluid in its central portion. The high fluid content gives these discs the soft, spongy quality that allows them to act as a cushion and shock absorber between successive vertebrae. However, as we grow older this fluid in the intervertebral disc reduces, and the disc becomes dry and hard. The result is back pain in regions corresponding to the intervertebral disc desiccation as the discs are unable to act as shock absorbers and the vertebrae experiences greater friction. Desiccated disc due to old age is very common among those who are 60 years old and above. Besides age, trauma or repeated injury or strain to the same area of the back can also cause disc desiccation.

However, apart from the causes discussed above, muscle imbalance can also be the underlying cause of disc desiccation. When certain muscles are stronger than the others in the neighboring areas, it may cause muscle imbalance. The result is postural dysfunction that cause excess load on discs in certain areas of the spine. These discs undergo repeated wear and tear and become a weak point, which causes contact with nerves passing through the spine resulting in pain. One of the main aim of most of the disc desiccation treatment options is to strengthen the muscles to relieve the excess stress created on the intervertebral dessicated disc.

Disc Desiccation Treatment

Though in many cases surgery is effective in treating a dessicated disc, one should weigh the other options that are available for disc desiccation treatment. Massage therapy relaxes the muscles around the affected area, and hence takes some pressure away from the discs in that region. Physical therapy and chiropractic treatment increases the flexibility of the body, and hence eases the pain. Although most of the times the patient works with the physical therapist, the latter often recommends certain stretching exercises that can be done by the patient at home.

Certain low impact exercises ease pain. These are mostly back exercises that build muscle strength and also increase the range of motion and flexibility. Water aerobics has been found to be specially useful in disc desiccation treatment, as impact of these exercises are minimally felt as they are done in water. Exercise also results in weight loss that helps in taking some weight off the affected disc. This reduces the pain that an individual experiences due to disc desiccation. Certain medicines may be taken as pain relievers and relaxants. These provide temporary relief from pain and should be taken only after one has consulted a physician.

In case of severe or chronic pain, surgery may be weighed as an option. Surgeries may be used to treat a part of the desiccated disc in case of a herniated disc or a bulging disc. However, in some cases artificial disc replacement may be required to be performed. It is very important to weigh the consequences before one goes in for surgery. In case the other forms of treatments fail, surgery could be considered as an option to get relief from the pain and discomfort of a desiccated disc.

Disc desiccation is almost always the first indication of disc degenerative disease. It is very important to provide timely medical attention to a dessicated disc. Although the above treatment options may provide some relief, it is best to go for disc desiccation treatment under the guidance of an experienced practitioner.