Definitions for "Degenerative disc disease"
Related Terms:
Spondylosis, Herniated disc, Cervical spondylosis, Disc degeneration, Slipped disc, Disc herniation, Herniated disk, Discs, Charcot joint, Intervertebral disc, Instability, Subluxation, Spinal disc, Bulging disc, Spinal stenosis, Central cord syndrome, Radiculopathy, Parkinson’s disease, Spina bifida, Vertebral subluxation complex, Parkinson's disease, Neurodegenerative disease, Craniosynostosis, Cauda equina syndrome, Parkinsonism, Herniated nucleus pulposus, Disc, Charcot-marie-tooth disease, Alzheimer's disease, Osteogenesis imperfecta, Paraplegia, Thoracic outlet syndrome, Ankylosing spondylitis, Idiopathic scoliosis, Pick's disease, Spina bifida occulta, Vertebral subluxation, Chiari malformation, Huntington's disease, Spondylolysis, Myelomeningocele, Hnp, Arachnoiditis, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Degenerative, Multiple sclerosis, Als, Neurapraxia, Spinal canal
Gradual or rapid deterioration of the chemical composition and physical properties of the disk space.
Degeneration of the disc over time produces low-grade inflammation and irritation and is a major cause of chronic low back pain. Because the discs in the spine do not have a dedicated blood supply, the discs must rely on a process called diffusion to receive their supply of water, nutrients, and oxygen. If the flow of these elements is disrupted, the vertebrael discs can degenerate.
Deterioration in the structure and function of the disc, commonly causes pain and function loss.
loss of elasticity and flexibility of the disc. Although it can happen quickly, most DDD develops over time due to use or misuse.
The discs undergo a process of change from a supple, flexible structure that allows movement and acts as a cushion, to a stiff and rigid state that restricts the amount of movement and is less effective cushion. This process can start as early as the 20th to 30th year of life and by the 60th year it would be a universal finding on x-ray examination.
Degenerative Disc Disease refers to the loss of loss of hydration in the disc and weakening of the annulus(outer lining of the disc). Trauma can cause the annulus to tear and disc material leaks out and presses on a nerve. Degenerative disc disease is very common in the human population but is not always symptomatic.
A breakdown and wearing away of the disc that serves as a cushion between the vertebrae and the spine.
A spinal condition caused by the break down of the intervertebral discs. The condition is usually age-related or caused by injury. The discs lose their flexibility and ability to cushion the spine. Since there is poor blood supply to the discs, injury is extremely difficult to treat.
Composed of 80% water, the spongy quality of discs normally allows them to act as shock absorbers between the vertebrae. As aging occurs, the discs lose their flexibility and elasticity, the ligaments that surround the disc (annulus fibrosis) may tear, and bone spurs may develop. This process is known as degenerative disc disease. Ordinary life activities including sports injuries may also contribute to this condition.
Arthritis of the spine. Characterised by dehydration and shrinkage of the inter-vertebral discs and the formation of bony spurs at the margins of the inter-vertebral joints. Symptoms include pain, stiffness and a reduced level of function.
A catch-all term to describe degenerative changes in the disc(s) due to aging or wear and tear.
The pathological process by which an intervertebral disc becomes progressively disrupted and fails in its functions.
An intervertebral disc, which has suffered the effects of the aging process or the effects of trauma. A disc becomes degenerated over time, often spanning years. Often there are small circumferential tears in the annulus fibrosis, the tough outer covering of the disc. A degenerated disc is also characterized by a loss of its height due to a drying-out of the nucleus pulposus, the gelatinous material inside the disc. It is often caused by a loss of motion between the vertebrae above and below, thus decreasing the mechanical flow of nutrients to the disc.
Gradual or rapid deterioration of the chemical composition and physicial properties of the disc space.
breakdown of the discs (which act as shock absorbers) that separate the vertebrae.
also known as disc degeneration or osteoarthritis of the spine, is a common disorder of the lower spine. As we age, the discs between the vertebrae naturally degenerate. Normally this is not a problem, but the degeneration can cause pinching of nearby nerve roots or the spinal cord that can lead to debilitating pain and/or further spinal problems.
A condition in which the inner core of the vertebral discs leak proteins that can inflame the nerve roots. BACK
Degeneration of the intervertebral disc, which is often called "degenerative disc disease" (DDD) of the spine, is a common disorder of the lower spine. Disc degeneration can lead to disorders such as spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal that houses the spinal cord and nerve roots; can be lumbar or cervical), spondylolisthesis (forward slippage of the disc and vertebra), and retrolisthesis (backward slippage of the disc and vertebra). DDD is in fact not a disease but, rather, a degenerative condition that can be painful and can greatly affect the victim's quality of life.