Degenerative Disc Disease
As we age, the water and protein content of the body's cartilage 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 partially 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.
Degeneration of the disc is medically referred to as spondylosis. Spondylosis can be noted on x-ray tests or an MRI scan of the spine as a narrowing of the normal "disc space" between the adjacent vertebrae. An MRI scan may show the early changes of a loss of water content in the disc.
Click Here to see how you can get your life back in 5 daysDegeneration of the disc tissue makes the disc more susceptible to herniation and can cause local pain in the affected area. Any level of the spine can be affected by disc degeneration. When disc degeneration affects 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 persons.
Disc degeneration can occur at any level of the spine and can cause pain in the affected area with radiation of pain along the nerves emerging from the spinal canal at that level. Symptomatic lumbar disc degeneration is most common in people of working age, usually between 30 and 50.
If you're concerned you are showing signs of degenerative disc disease, and would like to confirm your suspicions, you should take a moment to visit our symptoms page. Here, the experts at LSI go over the common symptoms associated with degenerative disc disease.
It is important to know what activities can lead to degenerative disc disease if they are not performed with caution. One of the best ways to prevent this condition is to know how it's developed. We suggest you take a few moments to review our page dedicated to the cause of degenerative disc disease.
If you've already been diagnosed with degenerative disc disease, and you are tired of the limitations it is placing on your life, you will likely benefit from reading how LSI approaches degenerative disc treatment through minimally invasive procedures.
If you are left with any questions or would like more information on how LSI can help you get your life back, feel free to contact us and we will be happy to assist you.
This color enhanced sagital (lateral) MRI image of the cervical spine shows severe multilevel degenerative changes of the spine with spinal cord compression. The bony spine is blue and the spinal cord is gold. There is a disc herniation at C3-4 and less at C4-5 causing spinal cord compression.
Degenerative Disc Disease Resources
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Degenerative Disc Disease Animation
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Answer
The endoscope and arthroscope are the exact same instrument. They are small tubes through which surgery is performed. When the tube is placed into a joint, it is referred to as an arthroscopic procedure (arthro meaning joint). When the tube is placed into an area other than a joint, it is called an endoscope. At LSI, we perform endoscopic procedures.