Degenerative Disc Disease has several archetypal causes, which occur commonly in the workers compensation context. Intervertebral discs change with age, much like our hair turns gray. Conditions such as a traumatic back injury or fracture can affect how the spine works, making the changes happen even faster. Daily wear and tear from job duties over time can also speed up degeneration in the spine. In addition, strong evidence suggests that smoking speeds up degeneration of the spine, although this factor does not defeat a Wisconsin workers compensation claim because the employer takes the employee as he is. Genetics also play a role in how fast these changes occur.
Disc degeneration follows a predictable pattern. First, the nucleus in the center of the disc begins to lose its ability to absorb water. The disc becomes dehydrated. Then the nucleus becomes thick and fibrous, so that it looks much the same as the annulus. As a result, the nucleus isn’t able to absorb shock as well. Routine stress and strain begin to take a toll on the structures of the spine. Tears form around the annulus. The disc weakens. It starts to collapse, and the bones of the spine compress.
This degeneration does not always mean the disc becomes a source of pain. In fact, X-rays and MRI scans show that people with severe disc degeneration don’t always feel pain.
Pain caused by degenerative disc disease is mainly mechanical pain, meaning it comes from the parts of the spine that move during activity: the discs, ligaments, and facet joints. Movement within the weakened structures of the spine causes them to become irritated and painful.
Pain in the center of the low back is often the first symptom patients feel. It usually starts to affect patients in their twenties and thirties. Pain tends to worsen after heavy physical activity or staying in one posture for a long time. The back may also begin to feel stiff. Resting the back eases pain. At first, symptoms only last a few days.
This type of back pain often comes and goes over the years. Doctors call this recurring back pain. Each time it strikes, the pain may seem worse than the time before. Eventually the pain may spread into the buttocks or thighs, and it may take longer for the pain to subside.
In Milwaukee, Wisconsin [nap_names id=”FIRM-NAME-1″] attorneys represent workers with degenerative disc disease in neck and low back workers compensation claims. Physical labor and medical treatment over time make for credible and trustworthy evidence that degenerative disc disease is work related. Repeated trauma or back injuries at work also contribute to the causation equation in a powerful way.
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