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Degenerative Disc Disease
Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is a condition in which the
intervertebral discs
dehydrate and shrink. DDD causes loss of disc height and reduction of the intervertebral spaces between vertebrae. This condition is usually found in the neck (cervical) and lower back (lumbar) regions of the spine. DDD is also called spinal degeneration or simply disc disease. For detailed information on disc degeneration, please visit my Degenerative Disc Disease Site on the Cure Back Pain Network.
DDD sounds like a horrible condition, but really it is just a NORMAL part of aging. The majority of people have mild to moderate disc degeneration in one or more lumbar discs by the age of 30. Almost as many have equal degeneration in one or more of their cervical discs by the same age. Although degenerative disc disease is common in most people, only a small percentage actually experience ANY symptoms from this condition. DDD is one of the most commonly diagnosed
SCAPEGOATS
in Orthopedic medicine. It is almost universal, but can still be blamed for many varieties of back pain. Unfortunately for the patient, it is rarely the actual cause of symptoms. This
misdiagnosis
is a primary contributor to the modern
epidemic of back pain.
* Disc Pain
* Discogenic Pain
* Disc Degeneration
* Degenerated Disc
* Spinal Degeneration
* Causes of Disc Disease
* Disc Disease Symptoms
* Diagnosis of Disc Disease
* Disc Disease Treatment
* Disc Disease Therapy
* Disc Disease Surgery
* Disc Disease Facts
* Lumbar Disc Disease
* Cervical Disc Disease
* Disc Disease Nocebo
* Degenerative Back Pain
* Disc Disease Pain
* Psychology of Disc Disease
Recommendation for Disc Disease
I think it is safe to say that despite it’s intimidating name, DDD is not really degenerative, nor is it a disease. It is simply part of the process of aging. It is rarely any more painful than wrinkled skin or graying hair. I was diagnosed with DDD when I was 16 years old. I was so scared by the actual words DEGENERATIVE DISC DISEASE. I pictured my spine crumbling and my vertebrae rubbing together violently with every movement. This created a powerful
nocebo effect
on me. It is no wonder that my pain grew worse and worse. I still have DDD. In fact, my discs are even thinner now. I do not have any pain anymore. My back pain never came from DDD, despite the diagnosis. I am cured. Please, do not fear DDD. It is most likely NOT the primary cause of your pain. YOUR BACK PAIN STORY Share your own back pain story with the world by taking part in my interactive forum. Speak out now and make a difference!
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Degenerative Disc Disease to Back Pain Home
5/20/06 Revised 11/9/09

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