My husband has degenerative disc disease and he fell while at work the other day, his hands, arms,legs everyth

Question

everything went numb, he could not use his hands and when he tried to stand up his legs were numb too. A few minutes later he was able to stand up and go back to his truck, but his hands and legs felt like they were tingling, like pins and needles the rest of the day, is this a nerve or muscular problem and is it serious?

Answer 1

When symptoms are present, chronic low back pain sometimes radiates to the hips, or there is an aching pain in the buttocks or thighs while walking; sporadic tingling or weakness through the knees may also be evident on a patient with Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD). Similar pain may be felt or may increase while sitting, bending, lifting, and twisting. While the degeneration of the disc will likely progress as a natural part of the aging process, pain symptoms such as low back pain often decrease over time.

It is not clear why some degenerative discs are painful and some are not. After an injury, some discs become painful because of inflammation. Some people have nerve endings that penetrate more deeply into the annulus fibrosus, or outer layer of the disc, than others, making the disc more susceptible to becoming a source of pain. Pain that radiates down the leg, known as sciatica or lumbago, is the result of the nerve root encountering the inner disc material, or the nucleus pulposus, an inflammatory substance that also puts pressure on the nerve. These conditions can cause symptoms such as severe leg pain, difficulty standing and walking, and weakness or numbness in the legs. DDD can lead to a chronic debilitating condition and can have a serious negative impact on a person's quality of life. When DDD is severe, traditional nonoperative treatment is often ineffective.

Often, DDD can be successfully treated without surgery. Physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, chiropractic treatments, or spinal injections often provide adequate relief of these troubling symptoms. Glucosamine and Vitamin C supplements can also help with the repair of discs. Surgery may be recommended if the conservative treatment options do not provide relief within 2 to 3 months. If leg or back pain limits normal activity, if there is weakness or numbness in the legs, if it is difficult to walk or stand, or if medication or physical therapy are ineffective, surgery may be necessary, most often spinal fusion. Artificial disc replacement may be an option in treating DDD under certain conditions.

Osteopathic treatment treats various aspects of the degenerative process returning the back to optimal functioning. The treatment involves gentle stretches and manipulation to the facet joints of the spine. Relaxation techniques to the resultant muscle spasm. The osteopath will not just treat the degenerate area but treat the whole spine.

Best of Luck!

Answer 2

When I read this, I thought "Is she serious?". Then I realized that you must be. Of course it's serious. His nerves are getting impinged. It's actually a combination of nerve and muscle problems. Get this book and read all about it:
http://www.powells.com/cgi-bin/biblio?inkey=1-0684852527-4

If he's overweight, it's time to lose it. It's vitally important that he seek optimum health through diet and mild exercise. The "exercises" in the book are very mild stretching exercises that you do a few times per week and only what you feel comfortable with. You work up to more little by little. Eventually, you will get the muscles and spine back into a healthy state and the numbness and tingling will be gone. Do not undergo surgery whatever you do.

Answer 3

I have degenerative disk disease but have never experienced this problem. I have had it for years. The chiropractor has done wonders with my back just the last 3 months - what a difference - my children talked me into trying him. It took them over 2 yrs to talk me into chiropractor.
Your husband sounds like a nerve problem & needs to see doctor. If one does not help, go to different doctor. Some just think they are always right - 2nd opinion is worth it.

Answer 4

He needs to see a doctor. Degenerative disc disease is a collapse of the bones in his back. He may have ruptured a disc and the fluid is putting pressure on his spine. This is not a muscular problem, and it is serious.

See a doctor sooner than later.

Answer 5

Look, the protection provided by the spinal column is weakened by the degenerative disease. GO TO THE DOCTOR!!! If damage occurred, one wrong move could sever the spinal cord and he could be a paraplegic or a quad.

Don't mess around with this stuff, go to the hospital and get checked out before its too late and the damage cant be reversed.

Answer 6

This is nerve damage and can be cured or fixed. It is very serious if not taken care of properly!! This is also due to loss or lack of muscle in the surrounding areas. Over compensation. Pushing and pulling around the discs. Its very painful and hard to overcome. But its possible with operation at certain ages, or just alot of specific routines. Good Luck

Answer 7

What you describe could also be a stroke??just because he has back trouble that could hide other problems?a back problem is usually site specific but all over tingling could be a sign of TIA's, so I would at least have him checked out by a DR. just to be safe??

Answer 8

Better see a specialist, QUICK! I have that disorder, too, and once, I simply SNEEZED and popped 2 discs completely out. I had to have surgery. This is very serious.

Answer 9

First, I'm sorry your husband fell and has this serious disease. I think you should have a Doctor check him, wouldn't it be good to find out it is not serious. Good luck to you!

Answer 10

Definitely go see a doctor and document the fall and the effects of the fall.

Get professional treatment.