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Most people will suffer from an episode of minor lower Back pain at some point in their lives, but, for some patients, lower back pain is an indication of a more serious ongoing problem. Degenerative disc disease is a condition in which the discs that sit between the vertebrae of the lower spine begin to wear down, creating instability in the lower back or neck. The body will try to compensate for the loss of the disc by creating bone spurs that can put pressure on the spinal cord and nerves which leads to pain and numbness. This is the most common root of back pain.
Causes and DiagnosisWhile degenerative disc disease is common as one grows older, there are also conditions and injuries that can cause degeneration of the discs to occur more quickly. Osteoarthritis, herniation of discs in the back and spinal injury are all contributing factors to the disease. Obesity and cigarette usage can also effect the health of the discs. The disease is usually diagnosed based on the patient's history and a medical exam. A doctor will look for limitations in the patient's range of motion and examine if damage has occurred in nerve function. After any other condition that might be causing pain, such as tumors or fractures, are ruled out, the doctor will usually diagnose the patient with degenerative disc disease and begin treatment.
Treatment and OutcomesManaging pain is the most common method of treating degenerative disc disease. For some, pain can be alleviated with over-the-counter medication or physical therapy. When mobility is limited and pain is effecting the patient's quality of life, surgery to remove the damaged disc can be performed. Spinal fusion is also a typical procedure used to repair damage from degenerative disc disease. For the most severe cases, surgery usually results in a permanent decrease in pain and increase in mobility. While back pain can be severe, degenerative disc disease is a common ailment for which a number of treatment options are available to help patients remain comfortable and active.
Wiki User
∙ 12y ago
Wiki User
∙ 13y agowhat is the prognosis for someone who is diagnosed with degenerative bone disease
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Can degenerative disc disease affect other parts of the spine?
My body says, yes.
What doesMild disc desiccation at L3-4 no evidence of stenosis or impingement at any level mild facet DJD in the lower lumbar spine what does this mean?
There are five vertebrae in your lumbar (lower back) region numbered L1 at the top and L5 at the bottom. Between each of these vertebrae are intervertebral discs which cushion and separate the vertebral bodies. Mild disc dessication at the L3-L4 level means the disc between the 3rd and 4th lumbar vertebrae is not quite as "plump" as it should be due to a loss of fluid. Stenosis is a narrowing of an opening such as where the spinal nerves exit which can "pinch" a nerve causing pain. So the diagnosis means that the opening where the nerves exit are not narrowed or pinching the nerves in any way. Where the vertebrae do touch or articulate are at areas called facets. DJD is shorthand for degenerative joint disease, basically arthritis. So there is some arthritis between the facets of the L3-L4 vertebrae which can be causing pain.
Can the bulging disc in neck travel to lower back?
The pain from a bulging disc in your neck can travel to the lower back. The actual bulging disc condition will not move or spread.
What is Dessication of the disc?
what is a multilevel disc desiccation with posterior disc/spur at C-4-c5.c6.c7 effacing the ventral thecal sac and contracting the ventral cord
What is displacement of lumbar intervertebral disc without myelopathy?
what is the treatment for displacement of lumbar intervertebral disc without myelopathy
Does Degenerative Disc Disease cause cancer?
No.
Is an annular tear considered degenerative disc disease?
An annular tear of the disc is, generally speaking, traumatic. However, over time, this can lead to degenerative disease of the affected disc or discs.
Can severe degenerative disc disease cause kidney and bowel problems?
no
What is marked degenerative arthritis and disc disease mean?
Degenerative disk disease and arthritis are different conditions conditions.The cause of degenerative disk disease at this point is not understood, however having arthritis can contribute to its development.
How is degenerative disc disease found?
Degenerative disc disease is a condition referring to the changes that take place in the spinal discs during the ageing process. It is usually diagnosed through physical examinations and imaging.
What is a Bryan disc?
The Bryan disc is a flexible disc or ring of titanium and Teflon that is used to replace the intervertebral disc in patients with degenerative disc disease.
How is Degenerative Disc Disease graded?
"C-Spine shows degenerative changes in upper mid area C2-C3"
what can cause numbness in lefthand ring finger and pinky finger also suffer from degenerative disc disease.?
what can cause numbness in left hand ring finger and pinky finger also suffer from degenerative disc disease
What does DJD mean in a thoracic radiology report?
DJD in a thoracic radiology report stands for degenerative joint disease or degenerative disc disease, which refers to wear and tear on the joints or discs in the spine. This can manifest as changes such as osteoarthritis or disc degeneration.
Can degenerative disc disease affect other parts of the spine?
My body says, yes.
Approximately what percentage of the US population suffer from degenerative disc disease?
Answer... Not trying to be a "smart-patutee", 100% of people have degenerative disc disease if they live long enough... [usually into the late 30's, etc...]... If you have a specific reason for this question, be add more information...
What is the best source of information about degenerative disc disease?
Degenerative disc disease is a spinal condition caused by the breakdown of your intervertebral discs. As you age, your spine begins to show signs of wear and tear as your discs dry out and shrink. The best way to help prevent the onset is exercise.
