1. By: Chris Statenwww.cdc.gov

2. Its not a disease but rather a degenerative condition which causes chronic pain from a damaged diskIntervertebral disk disorder associated with nervous systemCan occur anywhere in the spine, but most common in the cervical and lumbar regionsEveryone eventually acquires this disease as we age 3. Onset of DDD affect people in their 30s and 40sSevere back pain radiating down the sciatic nerve Burning, tingling, weakness and numbness in arms or legs Standing, sitting, driving, bending, lifting, twisting, and kneeling can heighten pain levels 4. ActivitySeverity LevelStanding8Sitting9Driving9Twisting7Bending8 5. Nucleus deteriorates with aging resulting in disk degenerationLoss of disk fluid creates stenosis of the vertebral bodiesNarrowing of the vertebrae put pressure on nerve rootsBulging or ruptured disks are cracks of the outer surface from heavy lifting or auto accident 6. Physical exam consisting of range of motion, check nerve-related changes, and look for fractures or infectionX-rays show the narrowing between the vertebral bodiesCT scan shows how much space is available for the nerve roots to pass throughMRI tests show disk herniation and compressed nerves 7. 26%20%Success Rates Physical Therapy Medications Epidural Injections11% 43%Surgery 8. Due to the aging process, DDD is impossible to preventQuitting smokingRegular exercises can reduce the early onset of the diseaseProper ergonomics when standing, sitting, and lifting arealso helpful 9. Depends on the individual, the severity of degenerative changes, and type of workMost people recover after 6-12 weeks and some never recover 10. Construction Workers Furniture Movers Laborers Elderly Everyone 11. Frazier, M. S., & Drzymkowski, J. W. (2009). Intervertebral Disk Disorders. In Essentials of Human Diseases and Conditions (4th ed., pp. 632-636). St. Louis, Missouri: Saunders Elsevier. (Original work published 1996)Patel. (2010). Degeneration, Lumbar Intervertebral Disc. Retrieved from MD Guidelines website: http://www.mdguidelines.com/degeneration-lumbar-intervertebraldisc/prognosisUllrich, P. F., Jr, MD. (2009, November 25). What is Degenerative Disc Disease? [Fact sheet]. Retrieved from Spine-Health website: http://www.spine-health.com/conditions/degenerative-discdisease/what-degenerative-disc-disease