Degenerative Disc Disease Essay

Herniated disc - the disc is the spongy cartridge that provides support and protection between the five vertebrae in the lower back and protects the spinal cord from injury. As the disc degenerates - any injury to the ligaments could cause pain to the affected area. Most herniated disc occurs between the fourth or fifth vertebrae in the lower back in efforts to support the upper back. This could cause major pain when standing and sitting throughout the day.

A professional cervical disc neurosurgeon Plano TX will always exhaust non-surgical treatments for neck pain before resorting to an operation. While surgery is sometimes the best way to deal with herniated and degenerating discs, neck and shoulder pain can often be alleviated through less invasive means, including injecting corticosteroids into the affected area or participating in physical therapy. Only if severe pain persists after attempting these treatments will a neurosurgeon recommend a discectomy and replacement or a fusion procedure.

MRI of the cervical spine obtained on 06/26/13 showed mild degenerative spondylitic changes and status post posterior fusion.

Scharf utilized Diagnosis Related Estimate cervical category II and assigned an 8% Whole Person Impairment. Dr. Scharf noted the MRI study of the cervical spine right disc extrusion at C5-C6, but there are no verifiable radicular symptoms in light of the result of the EMG/NCV studies, despite the applicant’s subjective complaints of radicular symptoms into the bilateral upper extremities. Since there are no verifiable radicular symptoms, the placement into DRE category II seems appropriate.

Cervical degenerative disc disease is a common cause of neck pain and radiating arm pain. It develops when one or more of the cushioning discs in the cervical spine starts to break down due to wear and tear. There may be a genetic factor that predisposes some people to more rapid wear. Injury may also contribute and sometimes can cause the development of the degenerative changes. When cervical degenerative disc disease becomes indicated, the pain might develop slowly over time or appear suddenly. The signs can range from mild annoying neck aches to debilitating pain, numbness, and/or weakness that radiates into the arm and hand.

Mcclurg, the patient presents for his neck pain, described as dull and aching. Treatment to date includes activity modification, acupuncture, and 9 sessions of chiropractic care. Condition is improving. Current care has provided 70% pain relief. Of note, MRI of the cervical spine dated 3/25/2015 revealed C5-6 discogenic spondyloarthropathy with mild central canal stenosis and mild bilateral C4-5 facet arthrosis.

MRI of the cervical spine dated 08/17/16 showed at C3-4 and C4-5, there is mild posterior disc bulging.

cervical discectomy and fusion performed on 04/14/15. The latest progress report noted that the patient has neck pain, upper back pain, and shooting pain down the arms. The exam revealed that the DTRs were mildly diminished in the left upper extremity. The strength and sensation were mildly diminished in the left upper extremity as well. Spurling sign was also weakly positive on the left. It is noted that the patient has tried and failed conservative treatment, including medications and PT. However, review of the records revealed that the postop PT was put on hold due to his increased pain. In addition, the MRI Report showed that the disc space was normal and there was no significant disc herniation at the requested level i.e. C7-T1. The spinal canal and neural foramen are patent. In addition, EMG Report revealed that there was no evidence of peripheral nerve entrapment or underlying peripheral neuropathy on nerve conduction studies. Considering the minimal/mild physical examination findings and normal imaging and EDS testing; the medical necessity of C7-T1 cervical ESI has not been established. Recommend

Per the medical report dated 08/12/16 by Dr. Gunderson, the patient had neck pain, as well as headaches, dizziness and blurred vision. The neck pain radiated into both shoulders, but more so on the right, and occasionally she had tingling in her upper extremities. She described the neck pain as severe and intermittent, and not related to any specific activity, and relieved with massage. The pain in her lower back was in the beltline and radiated into both lower extremities, more so on the left. She described the pain as moderately severe and constant, and not related to any activity, and only relieved with nerve medicines. On examination, the patient had tenderness in the lower cervical region about C5 to C7. Range of motion of her neck was 75% of normal. Motor, sensory, and reflex examinations in the upper extremities were normal. On examination of the lumbar spine, the patient could dress and undress without difficulty. She had a bent forward posture and gait. She had reduced lumbar motion and with maximum forward flexion, her fingertips were 12 inches from the floor. Lateral flexion was 50% of normal, and she had no active extension in the lumbar spine. Motor, sensory, and reflex examinations in the lower extremities were normal. There was paravertebral tenderness about L4-5 bilaterally, as well as in both sacroiliac and sciatic notch regions. Straight leg caused hip and thigh pain at 50 degrees bilaterally. Of note, X-rays of the cervical spine demonstrated disc degeneration at C5-6. X-rays of the lumbar spine were normal. Patient sustained

You can get a herniated disc from becoming older. Aging allows these discs to be less flexible and be more vulnerable to breakage. The more common cause of Herniated Disc is by injury to the spine. For example, this can happen when someone picks up a heavy box and suddenly feels a pop in their lower back. A person who suffers from a herniated disc will experience pain, numbness, and sometimes weakness along the the tracks of the nerves.

Patient lost consciousness and awoke in the hospital. Radiograph were performed; x-rays of the chest, cervical spine, and lumbar spine as well. Results indicated fracture at the right transverse process of L4 vertebra and no significant findings in the cervical spine. However, upon referral with a diagnosis of cervical strain and lumbar strain three weeks after the accident. He presents in the clinic stating increased dizziness, headaches, and unable to move his neck. Pain is intolerable and pain medications did not make any difference. Per patient, unable to sleep owing to increased pain in the neck radiating to his spine. Upon assessment, increased a sharp pain in the bottom of the neck with tingling and numbness radiating to the side of her little finger. Pain is unrelieved with rest. HE also demonstrates weakness in his grip strength and always drops his objects when he tries to grip

Herniated discs are particularly brutal, due to their position directly behind the spinal cord. When a disc ruptures, the ‘jelly’ inside can spill out into the nerves. This results in severe pain that radiates through the back and sometimes down the legs, as in my case. For more than two years, it felt like I had a knife embedded in my lower back.

Assessments include lumbosacral intervertebral disc disorders with radiculopathy, lumbar spondylosis without myelopathy or radiculopathy and myalgia.

Roughly, 80% of the population will experience lower back pain once in their lifespan, while two-thirds of the population will experience neck pain. As ludicrous as it might appear, the ugly truth about slipped disc complications is that they are increasing at an alarming rate. Back pain and neck pain are the most common reasons of immobility in individuals under 45 years old. It is now very ubiquitous and not only found in elderly, or after a traumatic happening. A slipped disc can happen throughout the entire spine but is most common in the cervical and lumbar area. Inappropriate posture, unwarranted or protracted axial weight-bearing activities are the culprits; in other words, extended sitting or lifting and carrying of hulking objects that cause uneven distribution of weight across your spinal joint or the spinal discs. Over the time, axial loading (sitting or carrying weighty loads) can dehydrate your spinal disc. Dehydration of the

12/31/15 Progress Report described that the patient has cervical spine, right shoulder, and right wrist pain. She rates her cervical spine at 8/10-scale level and frequent; right shoulder pain at 8/10-scale level; and bilateral wrist pain at 6/10-scale level. The pain is frequent and improved since last visit. Rest and medications make the pain better. Weather