Degenerative spinal disease

Other symptoms

Common symptoms include:

1. Lower back pain

2. The spine is stiff and difficult to move.

3. One or both hands, arms, feet, or legs.

4. Numbness, weakness, and tingling in the hands, arms, feet, and legs.

5. Headache and fever, especially if occurring in the neck area.

6. Difficulty controlling urination or defecation.

cause

Spinal degeneration is the deterioration of the bones, intervertebral discs, joints, ligaments, and muscles of the back as we age. It results from prolonged spinal curvature, causing pressure on the intervertebral discs and joints, and leading to a loss of flexibility.

For example, sitting for long periods, especially with a hunched back, causes the spine to straighten immediately upon rising from the chair, creating friction. The body then creates bone spurs in the joints to compensate for this damage.

However, sometimes these bone spurs grow too large and press against the nerves and spinal cord, causing pain. This is commonly seen in older adults.

Diagnosis

The doctor diagnosed degenerative spinal disease based on the pain symptoms described by the patient and a preliminary physical examination.

- For the cervical spine, the doctor will have the patient turn their head from left to right and tilt their head towards their shoulder.

- For an examination of the lumbar spine, the doctor may ask the patient to bend forward or move their back and waist in various directions. All of this is to test whether that movement is restricted.

Because spinal degeneration can affect hand use and walking, your doctor may test your patient's hands, arms, feet, and legs to see if they still respond to touch.

If a patient experiences difficulties with reflexes that may indicate nerve damage, the doctor may need to order an X-ray for further diagnosis.

High-resolution MRI

If the patient's condition is found to be severe and does not respond to conventional treatments, further tests may be necessary, as follows:

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

This method is used to visualize internal body organs in detail. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans provide very useful information for detecting important and hidden nerve damage.

Muscle and nerve examination

Electromyography (EMG) and nerve and muscle examination.

Both methods are performed simultaneously to obtain the best results and details of muscles and nerves, but the methods and equipment used for examination differ.

Electromyography (EMG) measures the speed and strength of nerve signal transmission by applying weak electrical currents to the patient's nerves through electrodes, which are small metal plates placed on the patient's body.

Electromyography (EMG) involves the use of local anesthesia combined with the insertion of tiny, needle-like electrodes through the patient's skin into the muscle.

Treatment guidelines for degenerative spinal disease.

If symptoms occur, patients can treat themselves initially. For example, applying hot or cold compresses to the painful area and exercising regularly can also help patients recover faster.

If symptoms don't improve, medication may be used, but some medications can affect patients with asthma, high blood pressure, liver disease, heart disease, or a history of stomach ulcers. Patients should consult a pharmacist or doctor.

If medication is ineffective, other options are recommended, such as physical therapy, spinal injections, or even surgery. However, surgery is only suitable for severe cases due to its potential side effects. Laser treatment is another option for those with intervertebral disc problems, potentially eliminating the need for surgery. Patients should consult a doctor before making any decisions.

The various treatment methods are as follows:

1. Treatment with medication.

- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the most effective pain relievers for degenerative spinal conditions. Commonly used medications include diclofenac, ibuprofen, and naproxen.

- Paracetamol is a pain reliever that is readily available without a prescription. However, if not used correctly as directed by a doctor, it can damage the liver.

2. Physical therapy.

This helps patients increase mobility and strength. In some cases, physical therapists may use spinal stretching techniques to relieve nerve compression, creating more space between the vertebrae to help reduce pain.

3. Intra-spinal injection.

Helps reduce pain and inflammation around the intervertebral discs.

4. Surgery

There are several types, such as spinal fusion surgery or artificial disc replacement surgery.

Doctors often recommend surgery for patients with severe neurological problems, such as those exhibiting symptoms of nerve compression including muscle atrophy, numbness, muscle weakness, or loss of bowel and bladder control.

Furthermore, surgery is considered only when other treatments are ineffective and the patient's quality of life is negatively affected. While surgery may help prevent symptoms from worsening, it cannot cure the condition completely.

📚 Pain relief with nerve block injections (SNRBs)

📚 Both are laparoscopic surgeries, but different types of cameras are used.

Using LASER to treat herniated discs.

Avoidance surgery is one of the most advanced technologies used in cases of degenerative disc disease or herniation compressing the nerves. With this technique, patients do not need to undergo surgery. Treatment and recovery times are faster, there is no risk of infection, and the incisions are smaller compared to surgery.