what is the cause of degenerative disk?

Answer 1

Degenerative disc disease is a misnomer
A large part of many patients’ confusion is that the term “degenerative disc disease” sounds like a progressive, very threatening condition. However, this condition is not strictly degenerative and is not really a disease:

Part of the confusion probably comes from the term "degenerative", which implies to most people that the symptoms will get worse with age. The term applies to the disc degenerating, but does not apply to the symptoms. While it is true that the disc degeneration is likely to progress over time, the low back pain from degenerative disc disease usually does not get worse and in fact usually gets better over time.

Another source of confusion is probably created by the term "disease", which is actually a misnomer. Degenerative disc disease is not really a disease at all, but rather a degenerative condition that at times can produce pain from a damaged disc.

Disc degeneration is a natural part of aging and over time all people will exhibit changes in their discs consistent with a greater or lesser degree of degeneration. However, not all people will develop symptoms. In fact, degenerative disc disease is quite variable in its nature and severity.

Answer 2

Let's start from the beginning: 1. Are you sure that the needl was really left inside your back? Did it break in part? I find it quite strange that the nurse would leave such a matter unattended. You probably would have gotten abcesses, inflamation and pain if the needle would have been left there (broken, or so). 2. You clain that your problem is at L4 and L5 -- was this the area where the epidural was given? Perhaps you should ask doctor if that's the area they used. It may have been quite possible that the person who administed the epidural may have misplaced the needle in your back; maybe this might have affected the joint area. 3. Are you sure you don't suffer from arthritis or other neurodegenerative disorders? Were you arthritic prior to having your son? Do you have predisposition or family history? 4. By consulting your doctor and making a careful analysis of the situation at hand, you may want to contract a lawyer specializing in medical malpractice in order to bring the issue to court.

Answer 3

ok, first of all i need to clear that degenerative disk disease is a misnomer. it's a completely natural process of aging. with geting old, the water component of the disk is reduced and the number of tears on the disk goes up. it is getting worse with age but remember that not in all people it causes low back pain. even if it causes low back pain the pain is getting better with age. so the pain is decreasing but the degenration is increasing. although this is a general rule but like all the rules has exceptions.

in some rare cases the degenrative process can be attributed to a non-normal process but to avoid confusion you may limit yourself to what i explained above.
i hope this helps
i am an MD

Answer 4

Its more likely that the cause is similar to the cause of many other diseases - Poor Nutrition! Even those of us who try to make good food choices are not getting superior nutrition. Lack of proper soil conditions in the farm lands, agricultural chemicals to increase crop yields, over - processing and overcooking. All of these things limit the nutritional value of foods. If you will choose to maximize your mineral and antioxidant intake, you can slowly recover from degenerative diseases and the effects of aging. See the best supplemental source for this high nutrition level at the source site below then email me to discuss further. [e-mail] . This will help you!

Answer 5

Two of my patients have got spinal surgery in India.One was treated for spondylolistheis by spinal fusion and the other for disc replacement.Both of them are very happy with the results.Their pain and other symptoms due to nerve compression have totally gone.

Spinal Surgery is very cheap in India.There is one company that is very famous in India that arranges spine surgery for foreigners in India.They are called the Forerunners Healthcare.I read a lot about them in the Newspapers and about their patient stories.I have also read that they arrange financing for american and canadian patients as spine surgery is not covered by insurance.They also have photos pasted of their International patients.You can checkout their website.

The cost savings are incredible.As a doctor i personally believe that your husbands spine surgery can be easily handled in India as the quality of healthcare available here is simply best in the world.The surgeons are USA/UK trained and facilities are 5 star.both my patients had gone to India through the forerunners healthcare company.i strongly recommend you to talk to this company,checkout your options with surgery from them.

http://www.forerunnershealthcare.com

Answer 6

""As people age, the composition of the cartilage of the body changes, resulting in thinner and more fragile cartilage. The changes cause the discs and joints that stack the vertebrae (also known as facet joints) to wear and tear over time.""
http://arthritis.about.com/od/spine/g/ddd.htm?terms=facet+arthritis

Answer 7

simple...old age and reduced blood supply to the adjacent para-discal areas... results in destruction of the disc and damage

Answer 8

For sitting for long periods of times for years...What does this mean...Get up from that computer and move!

I hope i helped

Answer 9

geneal wear and tear and old injuries

Answer 10

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/search/search