Degenerative Disc

Degenerative Disc Disease & Sciatica

Back Pain Slideshow

Medical Author: William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

• How is the spine designed?
• What is the purpose of the spine and its discs?
• What is degenerative disc disease? What are the symptoms?
• What are radiculopathy and sciatica? What are the symptoms?
• How is radiculopathy diagnosed?
• How is radiculopathy treated?
• What is bony encroachment and spinal stenosis?
• Degenerative Disc Disease & Sciatica At A Glance
• Patient Discussions: Degenerative Disc Disease & Sciatica - Effective Treatments

How is the spine designed?

The vertebrae are the bony building blocks of the spine. Between each of the largest part of the vertebrae are the discs. Ligaments are situated around the spine and discs. The spine has seven vertebrae in the neck (cervical vertebrae), 12 vertebrae in the mid-back (thoracic vertebrae), and five vertebrae in the low back (lumbar vertebrae). In addition, in the mid-buttock, beneath the fifth lumbar vertebra, is sacrum followed by the tailbone (coccyx).

What is the purpose of the spine and its discs?

The bony spine is designed so that vertebrae "stacked" together can provide a movable support structure while also protecting the spinal cord (nervous tissue that extends down the spinal column from the brain) from injury. Each vertebra has a spinous process, which is a bony prominence behind the spinal cord that shields the cord's nerve tissue. The vertebrae also have a strong bony "body" in front of the spinal cord to provide a platform suitable for weight-bearing.

The discs are pads that serve as "cushions" between each vertebral body that serve to minimize the impact of movement on the spinal column. Each disc is designed like a jelly donut with a central softer component (nucleus pulposus). This softer component can rupture (herniate) through the surrounding outer ring (annulus fibrosus) and irritate adjacent nervous tissue. Ligaments are strong fibrous soft tissues that firmly attach bones to bones. Ligaments attach each of the vertebrae and surround each of the discs. When ligaments are injured as the disc degenerates, localized pain in the area affected can result.

Picture of herniated disc between L4 and L5

Cross-section picture of herniated disc between L4 and L5

Degenerative Disc Disease & Sciatica - Effective Treatments

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