A degenerative disc disease diagnosis typically only is made after back or neck pain and other symptoms become noticeable. Many people who develop the condition do not experience symptoms, particularly in its early stages. The anatomical components of an intervertebral disc normally take quite a while, as in decades, to deteriorate enough for serious problems to occur. In fact, most people – especially those approaching middle age and older – have some level of disc degeneration and remain unaware of it. That’s because some anatomical deterioration is natural during the aging process and the body often is able to gradually adjust to it. The most some people experience is mild stiffness or an ache, which are generally accepted as just normal consequences of getting older.

When to Seek a Degenerative Disc Disease Diagnosis

A relatively small percentage of people who develop disc degeneration will experience debilitating pain and other symptoms. Of those, the primary culprit is usually nerve compression, which can arise when a portion of the deteriorating disc makes contact with the spinal cord or an adjacent nerve root. For example, if a disc’s outer wall (annulus fibrosus) develops a split or tear, the disc’s inner material (nucleus pulposus) might begin to leak into the spinal canal. Because the anatomical components of the spine are situated so tightly together, leaking disc material might begin to press on a nearby nerve. The result can be intermittent or constant pain that radiates along the length of the nerve, as well as tingling, numbness, or weakness in areas innervated by the affected nerve.

Sometimes, these symptoms come and go, and the patient may find that he or she can continue to live comfortably without seeking medical help. Others find that the symptoms have an extremely adverse effect on quality of life. Pain or other symptoms that last for three months are considered chronic, and should absolutely be diagnosed by a physician.

The tools and methods typically employed by a doctor to determine the causes of back pain, neck pain, or other neurological symptoms include:

– Physical exam – this may include palpation of the symptomatic areas of the spine, as well as tests for range of motion.

– Neurological exam – this may include tests of reflexes and muscle strength.

– X-ray – this is performed primarily to rule out fractures.

– MRI – magnetic resonance imaging gives the doctor a clear view of the interior of the body, with more detail than an X-ray.

– CT scan – computed tomography also is a way to give doctors a more-detailed view of the body’s interior.

– Selective nerve root block (SNRB) and diagnostic dye injections – these are used to pinpoint the precise location of nerve compression in the spine.

Communication Is Key

In addition to performing tests and a physical examination, a doctor will more than likely spend a great deal of time talking to the patient in order to confirm a degenerative disc disease diagnosis. A patient should arrive at the doctor’s office prepared to answer questions about family medical history, recent injury history, symptom severity and type, what time of day symptoms are most severe, and what types of activities tend to exacerbate the symptoms.

Patrick Foote is the Director of eBusiness at Laser Spine Institute, the leader in endoscopic spine surgery. Laser Spine Institute specializes in safe and effective outpatient procedures for the treatment of degenerative disc disease and several other spinal conditions.

Patrick Foote is the Director of eBusiness at Laser Spine Institute. Laser Spine Institute specializes in safe and effective outpatient procedures for the treatment of degenerative disc disease and other spinal conditions. http://www.laserspineinstitute.com/back_problems/degenerative_disc_disease/

Author Bio: Patrick Foote is the Director of eBusiness at Laser Spine Institute, the leader in endoscopic spine surgery. Laser Spine Institute specializes in safe and effective outpatient procedures for the treatment of degenerative disc disease and several other spinal conditions.

Category: Medicines and Remedies
Keywords: Degenerative disc disease