Degenerative Disc Disease.
(This is what i have.)

The Spine.

During April 1999, i went to see my GP about continuous pain in my lower back that wasn`t easing or getting better. He had me try some traetments and exercises, which didn`t help at all. I was then sent for a scan. My GP then diagnosed me with this disease, and refered me to an Orthopaedic Surgeon for specialist opinion and possible treatment. This was when I found out the bad news that it was never going to get better.

I have written extracts from the CT Scan results and the specialists letter below. As you can see, the news wasn`t good. I have been told that all i can do for myself is to manage the disease as best i can in terms of pain management, and not do anything that would aggravate the disease any further. In other words, slowing the disease down as much as possible. I have been told that it will eventually get worse and i could end up in a wheelchair, but so long as i do all the right things and manage my life accordingly, that will be at least 15-20 years down the road.

30/04/99 CT SCAN OF THE LMBOSACRAL SPINE:(extract)

L4/5 Level: There is an annular disc bulge with a minor broadbased posterior component impinging on the thecal sac.
L5/S1 Level: There is an annular disc bulge with degenerative gas in the disc. A broadbased posterior component is impinging on the secal sac.

(You would normally see bone on a scan or x-ray as a white image. On my scan, the above two mentioned areas were showing as black)
________________________________________

27/07/99 SPECIALISTS REPORT:(extract)

My specialist at the time was Dr Bryan Ashman, M.B., B.S., F.R.A.C.S., F.A. Orth.A.

"I reviewed the CT scan of his lumbar spine which shows that he has a completly degenerate disc at the lumbo-sacral junction.

I have explained to him that his underlying problem is not curable and i do not feel that surgery has anything to offer him in the long term.

I agree that he should pursue conservative management."

I have searched the web for more information and definations about this. Here is what i found so far.

Spinal Anatomy:
Your spinal column is made up of 24 vertebrae, plus the sacrum and tailbone (coccyx). Between each vertebrae is a “cushioning pad” called a disc. This flexible design supports your body while allowing it to move freely. The spinal column also protects the main nerve “highway” (the spinal cord) which runs through an opening in the back of each vertebrae. Coming from your spinal cord is a network of nerves that carry messages to and from your brain and the rest of your body. Pressure on any one of these sensitive nerve roots, or on the spinal cord itself, produces pain.

Degenerative Disc Disease:
- another form of arthritis to the spine. The discs between your vertebrae shrink. Degenerative disc disease is often described as a “wear and tear” condition. It is a normal part of aging, but can also be caused by injury to the disc. Symptoms include pain in the involved areas of the spine and, in some instances, pain or numbness to the arms or legs. Loss of flexibility is also typical.

Diagnosis And Tests:
A thorough history can help determine the type and seriousness of a spinal condition. This is followed by a physical examination of your spine. Examination of muscle strength, as well as neurological function, can pinpoint if any nerves are involved and the extent of any weakness.

X-rays - allow the doctor to identify any abnormality of your spinal anatomy. This may include signs of arthritis, a fracture or slippage of a vertebrae. Flexion and extension x-rays give further information about abnormal spinal motion when a person bends.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) - another test used to diagnose spinal problems. These pictures of the spinal anatomy give further information about the soft tissue such as your discs and nerves. An MRI is often taken to confirm a disc herniation.

CAT Scan:
CT or Computerized Tomography - another type of special study used to obtain information more specific than plain x-rays. Pictures taken in several different positions help in identifying spine abnormalities, most particularly of bone. This study is also useful for evaluating spinal nerves and fractures.

Medication:
- anti-inflammatory medications, Ibuprofen or aspirin (such as Advil or Bufferin) are best. By taking these medications on a regular basis you are decreasing inflammation as well as pain and swelling. Check with your medical doctor before taking these medications for more than a few days.

Some Questions And Answers I Have Found.

From http://www.drkoop.com/

Question: I am starting a diet. I know I need to exercise, but I have degenerative disc disease, which limits just what I can do. Do you have any suggestions?

Answer: The first recommendation for you would be to check with your doctor for any limitations you may have due to your medication or your degenerative disc disease. Dieting is fine. Make sure you are getting balanced nutrients from carbohydrates, protein and fat. With exercise, try non-weightbearing exercises. Exercises that I would recommend for now would be water exercises, such as swimming or walking in a pool, elliptical stepping on a machine, or stationary cycling. Check with your local fitness center to see if they offer aqua-aerobic classes.

About Me.

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