Degenerative Disc Disease, or DDD, is highly correlated with age factor. As we mature and grow older the tough and rubbery discs between our vertebrae dry up and lose their cushioning height. To illustrate, I would compare a spinal disc to Homer Simpson's favorite sofa cushion (the sofa cushion in front of the TV). Over the years, Homer's weight not only smushed down the sofa permanently, but also wore away at the fabric. While the result for Homer was ultimate butt-comfort, the result of Degenerative Disc Disease for the typical 3-D person sadly, is anything but comfort.

Luckily Degenerative Disc Disease sounds a lot worse than it actually is. It's the "degenerative" that really affects my well being. Well, "disease" is not an encouraging word either. But the fact is, DDD affects everyone without any striking symptoms since usually it is not painful. It's a natural part of aging. However, it's when the spinal disc shrinks to the point of vertebrae hitting "bone on bone," that nerves are affected and back pain begins. The two types of DDD back pain are Cervical (neck) and Lumbar (lower back).

Both types of degeneration cause other back problems such as herniated discs, arthritis or sciatica (pain in the legs) or spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal chord). It's amazing how a small problem in the spine can cause joint and bone inflammation in the fingers and toes. Has anyone ever compared the peripheral nervous system to the Internet? Like the Internet, the nervous system exists all over the place: It conveys body-wide messages, but watch out, it can also cause body-wide pain.

Spinal Decompression To The Rescue!

Spinal Decompression serves as a good treatment for all types of DDD because the lifting of the vertebrae allows for the spinal disc to repair itself. Then pressure is taken off the nerves. Especially in cases of spinal stenosis or sciatica, where surgery is invasive and therefore risky, Spinal Decompression is a conservative, yet affective method of treatment.

With Spinal Decompression, I feel a big sigh of relief. However, my biggest question (and fear) from all this information has become, "is there just a way to keep my spinal discs healthy"?

Unfortunately, this time eating right and exercising regularly just won't cut it. The root of DDD back pain comes from a loss of collagen (protein) and water in the spinal discs. The shortfall of fluid occurs when the number of Proteoglycan Molecules in the discs decreases. So, when Drs. Mark Ewin and Robert Inman from the University of Toronto, Toronto Western Hospital discovered in 2006 that the Notochord Cell (which releases CTGF, which is a connective tissue) regulates production of Proteoglycan, they were upbeat that their research results would serve as a groundwork for future regeneration of disc cartilage for patients suffering from DDD back pain. One impediment: the only Notochord cells found in humans are in their embryos, and for now this study is steering clear of stem cells!

But on the positive side, progressive research efforts are underway which could possibly help the preservation of the spine's discs. Good thing for Spinal Decompression in the meantime though! I feel somewhat relieved that people are facing this fear of back pain not in solitude. So: research studies are underway, the spinal decompression machine is pulling: Something is being done to help our backs.