Overview

What is Discogenic pain?

Discogenic pain is one of the leading causes of lower back pain. Intervertebral discs are a form of shock absorbers placed between two spinal vertebrae. With age, intervertebral discs also undergo the same deteriorating process that occurs with the cartilage of joints. It is a natural phenomenon whose exact cause is not known. Therefore, the physical and chemical properties of discs with time change as well, leading to lack of flexibility and stability in the spine. Lower-back pain is the most obvious symptom of such changes, although not everyone suffering from intervertebral disc degeneration has low back pain-that still remains an unexplained enigma.

What are the symptoms of discogenic pain?

As its name implies, the ache is in the lower back or the lumbar region. Everyone suffers from back pain differently. The common features of lumbar discogenic pain are:

Acute or chronic low back pain
Pain worsened with activity raises pressure inside the disks like sitting, bending, twisting, lifting, coughing, and sneezing.
A Patient who is experiencing pain, the condition improves by either a position change or walking.

Pain is not referred to as buttocks or leg, though it can be there in chronic instances.

Other symptoms include tenderness, weakness of the back, spasms of the muscles, and a sense of instability of the back. Numbness and tingling sensation can also be present in some patients.

What causes Discogenic pain?

Numerous risks raise the possibility of suffering from this disease. Such include:

Poor sitting postures and vibratory forces
Bowing for long periods
Physical exercises that cause strains in the disc
Male gender
Tobacco smoking
Obesity
Genetics and family background

What are the risk factors?

The majority who undergo this type of discogenic pain is in the middle age and old age. Rarely get this kind of condition from the younger generation since they have enough liquid in their discs.

How is Discogenic pain diagnosed?

Your doctor will make a lumbar discogenic back pain diagnosis through a combination of the following:

Presenting complaint with symptoms and signs of lower back pain, weakness, numbness, etc
History regarding your medical work habits like too much driving, heavy lifting, bending for long periods, smoking tobacco, etc.
The doctor examines you to see if you are tender or numb and to determine your back's range of motion. The doctor observes how you walk and asks you to bend forward or twist your back to determine this.
X-rays are of little use in the diagnosis of lumbar discogenic back pain but can help eliminate other conditions involving the spine.
MRIs and CT discography can result in diagnoses. Such tests can easily exhibit degeneration of intervertebral discs as well as other damage to soft tissues.

What are Discogenic pain treatments?

In some cases, discogenic pain can resolve spontaneously or be chronic. Most of the cases are conserved by managing the pain. A patient will be allowed to use anti-inflammatory drugs, employ ice or heat therapy, and undergo physical therapy. The therapy sessions may be planned for exercises aimed at enhancing the traction of the back and spine. In addition, there are the injectable treatments involving the following types that can help alleviate the pain:

Epidural Injections
Facet Injections

Intradiscal therapy, also known as intradiscal electrothermal therapy (IDET), is a minimally invasive procedure. The procedure heats up the disc area, causing the nerve endings to die. After the nerve endings have died, the patient no longer has pain. Intradiscal therapy underwent small studies in June 2010. The results show that it is good, and research shows most people have significant relief from their pain with minimal side effects.

If your discogenic pain has persisted for more than three months, you should consult your doctor or a pain management clinic. They will outline all the treatment options available for managing pain.

How can I Prevent Discogenic Pain?

You can also prevent discogenic pain through the following means:

Keeping the right weight: Keeping your body at an ideal weight prevents putting strain on your back.
Regular exercise: Regular exercises to strengthen the core can prevent discogenic pain.
Maintaining posture: To maintain proper posture when sitting and standing.
Using proper lifting techniques: Avoid lifting as much as possible, especially heavy lifting; if you cannot avoid it, keep your back straight and bend your knees; never lift using your back.
Eating well and hydrated is another preventive measure for discogenic pain. Getting sufficient sleep can prevent discogenic pain. Quitting or avoiding smoking can help prevent discogenic pain.

What is the prognosis of Discogenic Pain?

The prognosis of lumbar discogenic back pain is very good with conservative treatments. Symptoms are relieved very successfully with physical therapy, exercise, pain medications, and modification of activities. A longer duration (more than six months) of pain and other symptoms may necessitate surgical interventions.

When should I call my healthcare provider?

If you have pain caused by a disc for more than three months, you should consult your doctor. Your doctor will conduct all the treatment procedures that are possible to manage your pain.