Degenerative Disc (cont.)
What is degenerative disc disease? What are the symptoms?
As we age, the water and protein content of the cartilage of the body
changes. This change results in weaker, more fragile and thin
cartilage. Because both the discs and the joints that stack the
vertebrae (facet joints) are partly composed of cartilage, these
areas are subject to wear and tear over time (degenerative changes).
The gradual deterioration of the disc between the vertebrae is referred to as degenerative
disc disease. Wear of the facet cartilage and the bony changes of the adjacent joint is referred to as degenerative facet joint disease or osteoarthritis of the spine.
Degeneration of the disc is medically referred to as spondylosis.
Spondylosis can be noted on x-ray tests or MRI scanning of the spine
as a narrowing of the normal "disc space" between the adjacent vertebrae.
Degeneration of the disc tissue makes the disc more susceptible to
herniation. Degeneration of the disc can cause local pain in the affected area. Any level of the spine can
be affected by disc degeneration. When disc degeneration affects the
spine of the neck, it is referred to as cervical disc disease. When
the mid-back is affected, the condition is referred to as thoracic
disc disease. Disc degeneration that affects
the lumbar spine is referred to as lumbago. Lumbago causes pain
localized to the low back and is common in older people.
Degenerative arthritis (osteoarthritis) of the facet joints is also a
cause of localized lumbar pain that can be detected with plain x-ray
testing. The pain from degenerative disc or joint disease of the
spine is usually treated conservatively with intermittent heat, rest,
rehabilitative exercises, and medications to relieve pain, muscle
spasm, and inflammation.
What are radiculopathy and sciatica? What are the symptoms?
Radiculopathy refers to nerve irritation caused by damage to
the disc between the vertebrae. This occurs because of degeneration
("wear and tear") of the outer ring of the disc or because of
traumatic injury, or both. Weakness of the outer ring leads to disc
bulging and herniation. As a result, the central softer portion of
the disc can rupture through the outer ring of the disc and abut the
spinal cord or its nerves as they exit the bony spinal column.
When nerves are irritated in the neck from degenerative disc
disease, the condition is referred to as cervical radiculopathy.
This can lead to painful burning or tingling sensations in the arms.
When nerves are irritated in the low back from degenerative disc
disease, the condition is called lumbar radiculopathy, and it often
causes the commonly recognized "sciatica" pain that shoots down a lower
extremity. This condition can be preceded by a localized
low-back aching. Sciatica pain can follow a "popping" sensation at onset and
be accompanied by numbness and tingling. The pain commonly increases
with movements at the waist and can increase with coughing or
sneezing. In more severe instances, lumbar radiculopathy can be
accompanied by incontinence of the bladder and/or bowels.
Next: How is radiculopathy diagnosed? »
- ibuprofen, Advil, Children's Advil/Motrin, Medipren, Motrin, Nuprin, PediaCare Fever, etc. - Explains the medication ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Nuprin, Medipren) a drug used for the management of mild to moderate pain, fever, and inflammation. Article includes descriptions, uses, drug interactions, and side effects.
- CT Scan (Computerized Axial Tomography) - CT Scan (Computerized Axial Tomography, CAT scan) is a procedure that assists in diagnosing tumors, fractures, bony structures, and infections in the organs and tissues of the body.
- Lower Back Pain - Get information on causes of lower back pain (arthritis, pregnancy, herniated disc, sciatica, spinal stenosis, endometriosis, ovarian cysts), includes back pain treatment and diagnosis.
Latest Medical News
Chronic Pain RSS