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Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) - a term used to describe degenerative changes in the intervertebral disc(s) due to aging and wear-and-tear, which result in chronic pain and restricted movement. As we age our discs lose water content, reducing flexibility, elasticity and ability to absorb shocks. The outer ring of the disc (annulus fibrosis) becomes brittle and it is more easily cracked or torn. DDD can occur anywhere in the back, but it typically takes place in the low back (lumbar region) and the neck (cervical region).
Herniated Disc - when part of the center nucleus of a disc pushes out through a tear in the fibrous outer portion into the spinal canal it can put pressure on the spinal nerves. Herniated discs can cause pain, numbness and weakness in the back, arms and legs.
Sacroiliac Joint Inflammation - the sacroiliac joint joins the spine and the pelvis. The ligaments surrounding this joint may become damaged or worn down as we age, allowing excessive motion in the joint, which leads to painful inflammation.
Sciatica (also known as a pinched nerve) - describes the symptoms associated with compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve, including pain, numbness, tingling and weakness. Sciatica itself is not a medical condition, but rather refers to the set of symptoms, which indicate another problem.
Spinal Stenosis - the narrowing of the space around the spinal cord (the spinal canal) in one or more areas of the spine, usually in the cervical or lumbar region. The narrowing can put pressure on the spinal cord or surrounding nerves, causing pain.
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