Can trauma cause disc desiccation?

Can trauma cause disc desiccation?

Trauma can also be the cause of disc desiccation if a fall, accident, or sports injury causes significant damage to the spine.

Can a fall cause degenerative disc disease?

A sudden (acute) injury leading to a herniated disc (such as a fall) may also begin the degeneration process. As the space between the vertebrae gets smaller, there is less padding between them, and the spine becomes less stable. The body reacts to this by constructing bony growths called bone spurs (osteophytes).

What does desiccation of the spine mean?

Disc desiccation is a common factor that contributes to the onset of the larger issue known as degenerative disc disease. Desiccation refers to the dehydration of your spinal discs, which makes them prone to faster degeneration.

How do you treat disc desiccation?

How is it treated?

1. Medication. Pain relievers, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil) and naproxen (Aleve) can help reduce pain.
2. Massage therapy. Relaxing the muscles near the affected vertebrae can help relieve painful pressure.
3. Physical therapy.
4. Spinal injections.

Is degenerative disk disease serious?

The condition starts with damage to the spine, but in time, symptoms can affect other parts of the body. Symptoms usually get worse with age. The discomfort can range from mild to severe and debilitating. It can lead to osteoarthritis, with pain and stiffness in the back.

What is severe disc desiccation?

Disc desiccation is one of the most common features of degenerative disc disease. It refers to the dehydration of your discs. Your vertebral discs are full of fluid, which keeps them both flexible and sturdy. As you age, the discs begin to dehydrate or slowly lose their fluid.

Is there anything that can be done for degenerative disc disease?

Treatment may include occupational therapy, physical therapy, or both, special exercises, medications, losing weight, and surgery. Medical options include injecting the joints next to the damaged disc with steroids and a local anesthetic. These are called facet joint injections.