Degenerative Disc Disease(DDD) is also known as Degenerative Joint Disease(DJD).
This is a generic diagnosis for any breakdown of a disc. When a disc initially breaks down it is slowly losing fluid because it is dehydrating from not staying lubricated from proper motion over years and years of misuse.
Weight Bearing X-Rays are invaluable to measure the height of the disc loss. Based on how much disc has degenerated will also dictate which treatment would be best for the patient. The three categories we utilize in the office are as follows:
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Height Loss between 0%-25%
- Usually found in L4/L5, L5/S1, C5/C6 or C6/C7
- Takes normally 15+ years for degeneration to occur
- Can be asymptomatic(no symptoms)
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Height Loss between 26%-50%
- Usually found in L4/L5, L5/S1, C5/C6 or C6/C7
- Takes normally 20+ years for degeneration to occur
- Patient usually has on again and off again pain for months to years
- Pain can also happen for no apparent reason.
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Height Loss between 51% and above
- Usually found in older adults
- Usually found in L4/L5, L5/S1, C5/C6 or C6/C7
- Takes normally 25+ years for degeneration to occur
- Patient usually has on again and off again pain for months to years
- Pain can also slowly become worse over time.
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Mild
Height Loss between 0%-25%
- Usually found in L4/L5, L5/S1, C5/C6 or C6/C7
- Takes normally 15+ years for degeneration to occur
- Can be asymptomatic(no symptoms)
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Moderate
Height Loss between 26%-50%
- Usually found in L4/L5, L5/S1, C5/C6 or C6/C7
- Takes normally 20+ years for degeneration to occur
- Patient usually has on again and off again pain for months to years
- Pain can also happen for no apparent reason.
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Severe
Height Loss between 51% and above
- Usually found in older adults
- Usually found in L4/L5, L5/S1, C5/C6 or C6/C7
- Takes normally 25+ years for degeneration to occur
- Patient usually has on again and off again pain for months to years
- Pain can also slowly become worse over time.