| Definitions: Lumbar Degenerative Disc |
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Definition Degenerative disc disease is really a natural process of loss of water content in the disc with age. Because bones remodel in relation to mechanical stress, the degenerative disc process leads to the formation of bone spurs in most instances. Bone spurs by themselves may ultimately stabilize the degenerative disc segment over time. However, bone spurs my produce symptoms by compressing the spinal cord or a spinal nerve. Diagnosis The diagnosis of the degenerative process can be made by x-ray and/or MRI scan. The fact that degenerative changes exist on x-ray or on an MRI scan does not mean that these degenerative changes are causing the symptoms. This is especially true of mid-back and upper back (thoracic) pain. Many people with degenerative changes have no mid-back and upper back (thoracic) pain, and many people have transient mid-back and upper back pain that goes away. Non-Surgery Treatment Most people with degenerative disc changes on x-rays or MRI scan and mid-back and upper back (thoracic) pain are treated conservatively. Treatments consist of time, collar immobilization, medications, physical therapy, therapeutic injections, etc. Surgical Treatment Surgery can be indicated if bone spurs or herniated discs form the degenerative process put pressure on the nerves or spinal cord and produce symptoms. Rarely, surgery is helpful for thoracic back pain from the degenerative process. Prognosis Most patients who have symptoms from degenerative disc changes improve. A persistent minority of patients have symptoms for a prolonged period of time. |