What does DDD mean in MEDICAL

Degenerative disc disease is a condition in which the discs between vertebrae break down and cause pain.

The most common cause of DDD is age related wear and tear on the discs between vertebrae due to everyday use or injury. Other contributing factors include smoking, obesity and genetic predisposition.

Diagnosis of DDD typically begins with a physical exam followed by imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans or MRIs to assess the condition of the discs. Additionally, a doctor may ask about your symptoms and perform special tests to determine if there is nerve compression or irritation at the affected area.

Treatment for DDD can vary depending on individual cases. Some methods for managing pain associated with DDD include certain medications for inflammation or nerve pain, physical therapy, lifestyle changes such as reducing stress levels, improving posture and strengthening the muscles around the spine. Additionally, spinal injections such as epidural steroid injections could also be used to reduce inflammation of nerves in the spine. In some cases where other treatments are no longer effective, surgery may be recommended to repair or replace damaged discs.

In most cases, DDD will not lead to serious complications if managed properly with appropriate treatments. However if left untreated it could progress and lead to more serious problems such as chronic pain and limited mobility due to nerve damage caused by pressure on nerves from surrounding vertebrae or bone spurs that form in response to aging discs.