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Disc Disease”I am really hurt, I have Degenerated Discs !!!” Well, SO DO I. So does EVERYONE !!!
Disc Disease MythsThis condition often goes by the very intimidating name of Degenerative Disc Disease or DDD. The actual word DISEASE does not even apply to the condition. A disease is something abnormal and harmful, while disc degeneration is a completely normal and usually symptom-free part of the human experience.There is NO CLINICAL PROOF that disc degeneration causes pain or symptoms. Sure, getting older may cause the body some aches and pains, but nothing that can compare to the back pain often blamed on DDD. Disc degeneration is one of the most overused and abused back pain SCAPEGOATS diagnosed today. Patients have pain and coincidently have degenerated discs, so the pain MUST come from the discs, right?
NOTHING IS FARTHER FROM THE TRUTH… Disc Disease RealityThe fact is that ALL of Us will suffer from spinal and disc degeneration. It is a normal part of life. In fact, MOST of us, including ME, suffer from moderate to severe disc degeneration in our lower backs, necks, or both, by the age of 30. That’s right, 30. How many 30 years olds have pain associated with old age? I don’t know any…This is one reason why DDD is a condition that does not normally cause pain.Discs dehydrate as we age. Actually, water content in the intervertebral discs is in constant flux daily. Discs have variable moisture content depending on the time of day and activity level. It is normal for discs to begin to dry out as we get older. When the discs permanently lose some of their ability to hold moisture, they shrink. This causes the disc to lose height, width and diameter. The disc becomes flatter and the vertebral bones get closer together. This is one of the contributing factors to why people get shorter as they get older. Ok, So Why Does Disc Disease Cause Pain?It Doesn’t. Next Question…Seriously, most cases of DDD are completely normal and pain free. It is possible for some patients to experience some minor symptoms related to degenerated discs, but it is rare and dependent on extraordinary circumstances. The vast majority of patients complaining of disc degeneration pain are simply following the psychological suggestion given to them by their doctor. “I have DISC DEGENERATION? OH MY GOD!" Pain is not far behind… If doctors took the time to explain the facts about this condition, there would be exponentially fewer patients suffering ANY symptoms at all. However, we all know that idea does not go along with the economic motivation behind the back pain industry and its well established treatment agenda. Recommendation on Disc DiseaseOk, this one is so easy...First, STOP CALLING IT A DISEASE. Next, Do not fear this normal part of aging. Finally, acknowledge that any pain you have blamed on your innocent DDD is most likely due to a psychological cause. Remember, 80% of us have back ache and the vast majority is psychologically induced.
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