Is Your Loved One’s Aching Back Degenerative Disk Disease?

Degenerative disk disease isn’t actually a disease; it is a name for a painful condition that occurs when the disks between the back’s vertebrae break down and stop providing the cushion needed for a person to comfortably move their back into different positions. And while it’s not exactly a disease, it can be debilitating to those who have it, placing them in a never-ending cycle of pain and restrictive movements. If your elderly loved one has complained about a hurting back for a while, it could be that they have degenerative disk disease. Your loved one might find that they need the help of a home care provider to help them manage the tasks at home that they can no longer do.

What Causes Degenerative Disk Disease?

Just about everyone has some breakdown of the cushions between their vertebrae as they age. They naturally begin to degrade over decades of use, but not everyone has it to the point where movement begins to be painful.

Spinal disks act like mini shock absorbers in the spine, absorbing all of the bumps, twists, and movement that occurs while a person walks, sleeps, or does just about any type of movement. When a person has degenerative disk disease, the cushioned disks wear away more than they should, and the bones in the spine begin to rub and bump against each other when that person moves around.

Degenerative Disk Disease Risk Factors

Age is the number one risk factor, but other lifestyle habits and health issues can increase the risk of your loved one developing degenerative disk disease.

Having sustained a serious fall in the past, especially one in which the back was injured. A serious car accident could also increase the risk.

• Being female. Women are more likely to develop degenerative disk disease as they age.
• Obesity can increase the risk due to the excess stress placed on the back.
• Smoking can also increase the risk. Smoking causes harm to the spine (and all bones) by reducing oxygen and nutrients delivered to the disks, causing them to become weaker.
• Having had a career that entailed a lot of hard physical labor or carrying heavy loads.

Degenerative Disk Disease Symptoms

There really is only one main symptom of degenerative disk disease – pain. It can come and go, be mild or severe, and be sharp or aching. Some people feel it mostly in their neck, while others will feel it more in their lower back. Your elderly loved one will notice that certain movements cause it to get worse, such as lifting heavy items, twisting, or bending over to pick up something. It doesn’t get better on its own and generally gets worse.

Living with Degenerative Disk Disease

If your loved one has degenerative disk disease, their doctor will work with them to develop a pain management and back-strengthening plan to reduce further damage. In some cases, surgery is necessary, but many people live with it and manage it.

A home care provider can help them carry a load of laundry up the stairs or take out the garbage. Home care providers can also assist by providing transportation if your loved one can no longer drive comfortably.

With home care support and a treatment plan going forward, your loved one can find themselves still living life to its fullest with degenerative disk disease.

If you or an aging loved one is considering Home Care Services in Marietta, GA, please contact the caring staff at CaraVita Home Care today. (770) 643-1712