If you have pain radiating from your back down your leg, you might assume that it results from pinched nerves in your spine, commonly known as sciatica. However, degenerative disc disease (DDD) may be the cause of your lower back pain and sciatica symptoms.
Degenerative disc disease occurs when the discs found between vertebrae start to break down and collapse.
What is
degenerative disc disease?
Degenerative
disc disease (DDD) is a condition that occurs when the discs in your spine
start to break down. This can happen due to wear and tear from ageing or an
injury. When the discs degenerate, they lose their ability to cushion the
spine, leading to pain and other problems.
The most
common symptom of DDD is sciatica, pain that radiates from the lower back down
the leg. Other symptoms include back pain, neck pain, and numbness or tingling
in the extremities. If you think you may have DDD, you must see a doctor for a
diagnosis. In some cases, online lab tests
can be helpful in diagnosis.
How do
discs deteriorate?
The discs in
your spine degenerate or break down over time. This process is called
degenerative disc disease (DDD). As the discs degenerate, they lose their
ability to cushion and support the spine. This can lead to pain and other
problems.
What are the symptoms of degenerative disc disease?
The symptoms
of degenerative disc disease include back
pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, headaches, numbness or tingling in the
extremities, muscle weakness, and loss of sensation. The pain is often worse
with activity and may be relieved by rest. The symptoms may vary depending on
the location and severity of the disc damage.
What do
imaging tests reveal?
Imaging
tests can reveal the severity of the degenerative disc disease and whether or
not it is the cause of sciatica. An MRI or CT
scan can show herniated discs, bulging discs, and other problems with
the spine.
These tests
can also show if there is any damage to the sciatic nerve. If you have
degenerative disc disease, your doctor may recommend online lab tests to check
for changes in your condition.
What if
you have a micro discectomy?
If you have
degenerative disc disease, there's a chance you could also experience sciatica.
Sciatica is caused by a herniated disc that presses on the sciatic nerve, which
runs from your lower back down your leg.
If you think you might have a herniated disc, it's essential to get it checked out by a doctor. A micro discectomy is a standard surgical procedure to treat a herniated disc. During this procedure, a small portion of the herniated disc is removed to relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve. Recovery from a micro discectomy typically takes 4-6 weeks.
What are
your recovery options?
There are
several options for treating degenerative
disc disease and sciatica. You can book online lab tests to see what is
causing your pain and then look into the various options for treatment. For
example, you might consider physical therapy, which can help strengthen the
muscles around your spine and relieve pressure on your discs.
Surgery is
another option, but it should be considered a last resort. You can also try
Chughtai lab Lahore to get a chughtai test report to show what is causing your
pain. Whichever route you choose, consult with a doctor or other medical
professional to ensure that you are getting the best possible care.
