Disc Degeneration
Disc degeneration in the spinal column occurs commonly in two places, the upper part of the spine (cervical region), and the lowest part of the spine (lumbar region). The onset of disc degeneration, in either the cervical or lumbar region, is often associated with undue stress, traumatic injury and the aging process. In the cervical spine, degeneration of the disc often can be traced back to a hyperextension/hyperflexion injury (whiplash) from an automobile collision. However, in the lumbar spine, the combination of a traumatic and abrupt bending and twisting motion at the waist can predispose to disc degeneration.
The clinical progression of disc degeneration is common to both areas of the spine. First, there is narrowing of the actual disc, followed by loss of motion in the involved area of the spine. Ultimately, there is abnormal bone formation adjacent to the degenerated disc in the form of arthritic spurs. In the neck, these spurs are seen in the front of the spine in the lower neck and in the back of the spine toward the upper most part of the neck. In the low back, these spurs are seen to the front and sides of the spine.
The arthritic spurs associated with disc degeneration can be divided into two categories. Claw spurs are found at the margins of the disc and the corners of the vertebrae above and below it. They are directly caused by the degeneration of the disc. On the other hand, traction spurs are located slightly further away from the corners of the vertebrae and are not adjacent to the discs. These spurs are a result of traction forces on the vertebrae from their surrounding ligaments.
As far as what pain the patient experiences due to disc degeneration, an interesting phenomenon occurs. There seems to be little correlation between the degree of disc degeneration involved and the degree of pain perceived by the patient. That is, the patient with even the mildest degree of disc degeneration may experience acute pain, whereas the patient with severe or almost total disc degeneration may have little or no pain at all.
