What does moderate to severe degenerative disc disease associated with vacuum disc phenomenon from L3 through S1 mean?

Answer 1

L3 through S1 are parts of the discs in your back going from the lumbar region to the tailbone. Degenerative disc disease is not a true disease. It is caused from age and other factors, in your case loss of fluid that causes these disc to basically crumble/break away. As the discs break away they develop small pockets of air in them and this is called vacuum disc phenomenon because of the way it looks on an MRI, etc. This form of degenerative disc disease is usually suggestive of a more serious disc disorder.

Do you smoke? Are you a woman that needs more calcium? Have you had an accident that has affected your back? Do you eat healthy?

As with any issue, it is important to go see your doctor and discuss this with him, patient education is one of their jobs, not just diagnosing people, but even a nurse will help you. Go to the doctor if you have any changes, difficulty moving, numbness in legs, etc. As discs degenerate they can herniate on nerves causing pain and numbness throughout your legs, etc. This needs to be assessed by a qualified physician. But rest assured 82% of americans have degenerative disc disease, I'm a 32 yo male and I have it, my mom has it, and my sister has it. Good luck to you.

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