Intervertebral Disc Disease
Intervertebral disc disease is a condition that occurs due to the breakdown or degeneration of the spinal discs that separate your vertebrae (the bones in your spine). The function of these rubber discs is to offer cushioning between your vertebrae and to act as school absorbers to prevent damage from excess friction. These spinal discs also help your back move, bend, and twist comfortably.
Your vertebrae may start to rub against each other when the cushions degenerate or wear away. This may cause bone spurs to form, exerting excess pressure on your spinal cord or nerve roots. According to medical experts, the condition affects about 5 percent of the adult population every year in well-resourced countries.
Back pain is the major symptom of degenerative disc disease. If the pain is severe, you may experience numbness or weakness in your legs. You may also experience Incontinence if the injury to the affected nerve is serious. It would help to seek medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms.
Treatment
Initial treatment may include physical therapy and pain relief drugs. In severe cases, your doctor may recommend surgery to remove and replace the affected disc.