Introduction
Welcome to our guide on Degenerative Disc Disease, a condition commonly referred to as Disc Degeneration or Spondylosis. Before we delve deep into its intricacies, please note: Don’t Suffer In Silence. Reach out to us if you need assistance. Meanwhile, feel free to explore some of our Patient Success Stories.
Understanding the Condition
Though termed “Degenerative Disc Disease,” it isn’t precisely a degenerative or disease per se. It’s a condition that stems from aging, with effects ranging in nature and severity. The appropriate term would be “disc degeneration (Spondylosis).” The popular name, however, encompasses various natural processes and conditions that arise due to aging, wear, and tear on spinal discs, and the subsequent effects on adjacent spinal structures.
Symptoms
Symptoms can manifest from simple activities like twisting, akin to swinging a golf club. Common manifestations include continuous low-level pain in the lower back, hips, groins, and legs, which occasionally intensifies. Pain can escalate when seated or during lifting, bending, or twisting. Some patients also report numbness, tingling sensations in the legs, muscle weakness, or even foot drop.
Pain Origin
Traditionally, back pain was believed to emanate from the disc. Through endoscopy, we’ve learned that only 11% of patients experience symptoms originating from the disc. The core of the issue often lies in the nerve. The pain might arise from multiple sources, such as damage, irritation, or nerve pressure within and around the spinal region.
Why Discs Degenerate
The disc has limited blood supply, isolating it from the body due to its highly irritant content. This limited blood supply restricts the repair capabilities of the disc after any damage. Contrary to popular belief, younger individuals (ages 30-50) commonly experience the painful aspects of this condition.
Diagnosis
While MRI & CAT scans offer a glimpse into the anatomical changes, they can’t be the sole diagnostic tools. Clinical examination and patient history play a significant role. Our innovative “aware state diagnosis” provides a more accurate diagnostic method.
Treatment
Most treatments focus on pain management through medications, physiotherapy, osteopathy, and chiropractic techniques. The goal is to re-train the body for better posture and optimized load transmission. For persistent symptoms, increased medication and injections become necessary.
Conventional Surgery
Often, management is the primary approach due to the extensive nature of conventional surgeries. However, in specific cases, Microdiscectomy or artificial disc replacement becomes viable.
Benefits of Aware State Diagnosis
Traditional diagnostic techniques rely on pre-operative estimations based on X-rays, MRI scans, and CAT scans. The “aware state diagnosis” offers a more hands-on, real-time approach, ensuring precise pain source identification.
Comparing with Conventional Surgery
Endoscopic Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery offers a targeted, precise treatment with minimal tissue damage, reduced patient risk, and better long-term outcomes. It contrasts starkly with conventional surgeries, which might resort to “overkill” multi-level surgery with potential complications.
