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A herniated disk refers to a problem with one of the rubbery cushions, called disks, that sit between the bones that stack to make the spine. These bones are called vertebrae. A spinal disk has a soft, jellylike center called a nucleus.
A herniated disk occurs when some of the softer material inside the disk pushes out through a crack in the tougher outside of the disk. This can irritate or press on nearby nerves and cause pain, numbness or weakness.
Spinal stenosis happens when the space inside the backbone is too small. This can put pressure on the spinal cord and nerves that travel through the spine. Spinal stenosis happens most often in the lower back and the neck. Some people with spinal stenosis have no symptoms.
Cervical spondylosis is a general term for age-related wear and tear affecting the spinal disks in your neck. As the disks dehydrate and shrink, signs of osteoarthritis develop, including bony projections along the edges of bones (bone spurs). Cervical spondylosis is very common and worsens with age. More than 85% of people older than age 60 ...
My doctor told me that I have degenerative disk disease. What exactly does that mean? Is it common and what can I do to feel better? ANSWER: Degenerative disk disease is a common cause of back pain. Our spinal disks wear out with age and use.
The whole disk does not rupture or slip. Only the small area of the crack is affected. Compared with a bulging disk, a herniated disk is more likely to cause pain. The inner cartilage of the disk sticks out farther and is more likely to irritate nerve roots.
Preparing for your appointment. You might be referred to a doctor who specializes in disorders of the nervous system, called a neurologist. Depending on how serious your symptoms are, you also may need to see a spinal surgeon, which could be a neurosurgeon or an orthopedic surgeon.
Diskectomy is surgery to remove the damaged part of a disk in the spine. A diskectomy can relieve the pressure caused by a herniated disk. A herniated disk happens when the soft center of a disk pushes out through the tough outer lining. Herniated disks can irritate or press on nearby nerves.
The purpose of the study is to identify genes that could serve as a target for early intervention and treatment for degenerative disk disease. Intervertebral disks from the cervical and lumbar spine have been retrieved from surgery and evaluated.
Imaging tests can provide detailed information to guide diagnosis and treatment. Examples include: Neck X-ray. An X-ray can show changes in the spine, such as bone spurs, that indicate cervical spondylosis. Neck X-ray can also rule out rare and more serious causes for neck pain and stiffness, such as tumors, cancer, infections or fractures.