Degenerative disc also called Spondylosis. This happens when individual spinal disc is damaged which causes stiffness and pain. It affects the intervertebral discs which is located between the individual vertebrae. This intervertebral disc serves as the spine’s shock absorber. When these discs deteriorate, they result to pain, they stiffen thus restricting back movement.
Multilevel degenerative disc involves more than one vertebra. This disease is most likely to occur in the cervical spine which is the neck or the lumbar spine which is the lower back. The neck is composed of seven vertebrae (C1 to C7) and the low back is composed of five vertebrae (L1 to L5). With multilevel degenerative discs disease, it can involve several levels of the spine.
What Are The Causes of Multilevel Degenerative Disc Disease?
This disease happens naturally as part of aging process. The disease can also be a result from back trauma or infection. Smoking can also be a big factor in this disease for smoking decreases the amount of water in the disc intensifying disc deterioration. And lastly, genetic factors can play a big role here too because some patients might just be prone to extreme joint wearing.
What Are The Symptoms of Multilevel Disc Degeneration?
Back pain is the most common symptoms. The pain is mostly constant with acute episodes of pain can sometimes occur. Individuals may experience pain when lifting or bending, and with long periods of sitting. Individuals should seek medical help if pain persists for a long time and if individuals experience numbness, or tingling in the legs, leg weakness, and loss of bowel control or bladder. Waste no time and go see your doctor.
What Are The Possible Treatments for Multiple Level Degenerated Discs?
Physicians usually opt for the traditional, non-invasive way to treat the disease and that is through anti-inflammatory medications and physical therapy but if this fails then surgical intervention might be necessary. With this kind of disease it might need greater intervention since it involves the whole spine. Just seek advice from your doctor on what is the best way to treat this disease.