A discus is a plate consisting of a fibrous ring enclosing a pulpy matter. They are found throughout the spine between the bodies of adjacent vertebra (23 in total). They have a shock absorbing function and increase the mobility of the spine. With age, these discs become less elastic and decrease in thickness increasing wear of the vertebra. The deterioration of the discs is progressing faster when the person has been subjected to heavy physical work in awkward positions or injury.

When the discs are narrowed they may collide with movements of the spine causing pain or in more severe cases pressure on the nerves. At later stages movement of the back will be increasingly limited.

Changes in the discus can be seen on X-rays in 50% of all 50-year-olds and in 100% of all 80 year olds and is therefore the result of a natural aging process. Discus degeneration is a frequent cause of low back pain (lumbago) and neck problems. 

 

Symptoms from the neck: 

When one experiences pain from the neck or back one should always consider if one is subjecting ones back to too much strain in everyday life. One should therefore strive for optimum working conditions and position. If pain of the neck or back does not disappear after a week's time, you should consult your doctor, who will examine for tenderness of the vertebra and back muscles and investigate if movement is restricted. If the condition is associated with radiating pain to the buttock or back of a leg one may suspect a slipped disc.

An X-ray will reveal if one or more discus have become narrowed or if there are changes to the bone structure of the vertebra. In case of nerve pain an MRI or CT scan may reveal if there is pressure on a nerve. 

 

Regular exercise and training of the back as well as an optimized posture can do much to prevent discus degeneration. Stretching exercises where the back is leaned backwards is also effectful.

For pain you can take ordinary pain killers containing paracetamol (Panodil, Pamol and others) or ibuprofen (Ipren, ibuprofen and others). Massage can loosen muscle tension. If there is persistent pressure on a nerve, surgery may be an option.

 

The natural course of the disease may vary and can be changed with changes in working position, posture and life style. Muscle tension is a major cause of pain, and progress will depend on whether the vertebra and muscles are subject to inappropriate wear and tear.

The degenerative changes in a discus can cause reduced space of the spine affecting the nerves and the development of touch and power disruptions in the legs and may affect the bladder function.

In pronounced cases of degeneration a slippage of one vertebra in relation to the others can be seen.