In this Article

• How is the spine designed?
• What is the purpose of the spine and its discs?
• What is degenerative disc disease? What are the symptoms?
• What are radiculopathy and sciatica? What are the symptoms?
• How is radiculopathy diagnosed?
• How is radiculopathy treated?
• What is bony encroachment and spinal stenosis?
• Degenerative Disc Disease & Sciatica At A Glance
• Patient Discussions: Degenerative Disc Disease & Sciatica - Effective Treatments
• Degenerative Disc Glossary
• Degenerative Disc Index

What is bony encroachment and spinal stenosis?

Any condition that results in movement or growth of the bony vertebrae of the spine can limit the space (encroachment) for the adjacent spinal cord and nerves. Causes of bony encroachment of the spinal nerves include foramen narrowing (narrowing of the portal through which the spinal nerve passes from the spinal column, out of the spinal canal to the body), spondylolisthesis (slipping of one vertebra relative to another), and spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal caused by compression of the nerve roots or spinal cord by bony spurs or other soft tissues in the spinal canal). For example, lumbar spinal nerve compression in these conditions can lead to sciatica pain that radiates down the lower extremities.

Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal) can occur at any level of the spine, but it's most common in the lumbar spine of the low back. Symptoms depend on the level affected. For example, lumbar spinal stenosis can cause lower-extremity pains which worsen with walking and are relieved by resting (mimicking poor circulation of the lower extremities).

Treatment of these conditions varies (depending on the severity and condition of the patient) from rest to surgical decompression by removing the bone that is compressing the nervous tissue.

Degenerative Disc Disease & Sciatica At A Glance

• The discs of the spine serve as "cushions" between each vertebral segment.
• The discs are designed somewhat like a jelly donut.
• Degeneration (deterioration) of the disc makes the disc more susceptible to herniation (rupture) which can lead to localized or radiating pain.
• Sciatica can result from disc herniation when nerves of sensation in the low back are irritated.

Degenerative Disc Disease & Sciatica - Effective Treatments

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