Anatomy

Anatomy of Degenerative Disc Disease

In order to understand your symptoms and treatment options, it helps to begin with a basic understanding of your low back. This includes becoming familiar with the various parts that make up the lumbar spine and how these parts work together.

The main problem with degenerative disc disease lies within one or more of the intervertebral discs. There is a disc between each vertebra in the spine. Much of the mechanical stress of everyday movements is transferred to the discs. The intervertebral discs are designed to absorb pressure and keep the spine flexible by acting as cushions during body movement-similar to shock absorbers. Without the cushion effect of the discs, the vertebrae in your spine would not be able to absorb stresses or provide the movement needed to bend and twist.