Back Pain - What is Discogenic Pain?
Written by Blueheronclinic.com
Nearly 40% of all chronic spinal pain is related to a problem in one or more of the inter-vertebral discs. If you suffer from chronic lower back or neck pain but have not been diagnosed with a herniated disc, you may in fact have discogenic pain. Discogenic back pain is thought to occur due to disc degeneration , a condition in which the physical and chemical properties of the spinal disc begin to deteriorate.
The Causes of Discogenic Back Pain
According to medical theory, discogenic back pain can occur when nerve receptors located in the annulus are irritated by degenerative effects in the spinal column. Inflammation in the spinal disc may also negatively affect the nerve receptors e.g. inflammatory chemicals from an annular fissure were to reach the nerves in the outer section of the annulus, the tear may be the basis of your discogenic pain. This type of injury is called IDD or internal disc disruption.
Human genetics are likely play a role in the origins of discogenic back pain. Genetics bring about metabolic changes in the body and may alter the chemical make up of discs. The result is that the discs tend to dry out faster than normal, which renders them less capable of bearing the weight of the spinal load. Additional damage to the edge of the vertebra beside the disc may also occur. This can release inflammatory chemicals and increases the speed at which discs degrade..
According to TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) any degenerative disease affecting the "bones" including the spinal column is a result of the decline in the constitutional Kidney Yin (Including Kidney Jing or Essence) energies of the body. This often occurs with increased age but can also be affected by long term nutrition and lifestyle factors.
What are the Symptoms of Discogenic Back Pain?
Symptoms of discogenic back pain include an achy pain that does not radiate downward into your leg or arm and decreased function of the spine.
Pain usually increases in the lower back area as the spine becomes compressed during actions like bending, sitting, coughing and sneezing which tend to exacerbate the problem. Pain may radiate to the thigh but usually not to the buttock.
In the neck area pain may increase as you tilt or turn your head this pain may worsen if the head is fixed in one position for long periods of time e.g. when working at a computer. Muscle spasms may also accompany discogenic neck pain as well as experiencing pain along the arm.
The Treatment of Discogenic Pain
Discogenic back pain may subside on its own, or it may come and go intermittently. Standard medical care may include controlling pain with anti-inflammatory medications, using ice and/or heat as well as massage, acupuncture & physical therapy. Physical therapy may consist of back exercises, traction and other treatments including dry needling.
If your condition does not improve after three months and pain levels continue to present an issue surgery may be an option. In this case you would need to contact your doctor about further treatment possibilities.
The most common type of surgery for discogenic back pain pain is know as spinal fusion. However, the use of this procedure is controversial and it does not always provide relief. The number of spinal surgeries in the US has increased since the 1990s - research data strongly suggest that many of these procedures are completely unnecessary.
Spinal disc degeneration may be part of the natural aging process but if caught early and appropriate lifestyle changes and treatment options are put into action this issue could be kept under control and possibly improved on.
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