What is lumbosacral degeneration?
Degenerative disc disease in the lumbar spine, or lower back, refers to a syndrome in which age-related wear and tear on a spinal disc causes low back pain. Lumbar Degenerative Disc Disease Video. When damaged discs in the lumbar spine cause symptoms of pain, it is called lumbar degenerative disc disease.
Can a CT scan detect degenerative disc disease?
Additionally, a CT scan can demonstrate findings that are also found on radiographs as well. A CT scan may be able to better demonstrate osteophytes as well as endplate sclerosis and vacuum disc sign, all related to findings of degenerative disc disease [4].
What does degenerative changes of the lumbar spine mean?
The phrase “degenerative changes” in the spine refers to osteoarthritis of the spine. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. Doctors may also refer to it as degenerative arthritis or degenerative joint disease. Osteoarthritis in the spine most commonly occurs in the neck and lower back.
Can anything be done for degeneration of the spine?
Physical therapy can help stretch and strengthen the right muscles to help the back heal and reduce the frequency of painful flare-ups. Lifestyle modifications, such as changing your posture, losing weight or giving up smoking, can sometimes help reduce stress on the damaged disc and slow down further degeneration.
What causes lumbar degeneration?
Degeneration occurs because of age-related wear-and-tear on a spinal disc, and may be accelerated by injury, health and lifestyle factors, and possibly by genetic predisposition to joint pain or musculoskeletal disorders. Degenerative disc disease rarely starts from a major trauma such as a car accident.
What can a neurologist do for degenerative disc disease?
Treatment options for condition:
- Diagnostic nerve blocks followed by radiofrequency ablation.
- Facet joint injections.
- Epidural steroid injections: Interlaminar and Transforaminal.
- Spinal cord stimulator.
- Trigger point injections.
What kind of pain does degenerative disc disease cause?
Possible radiating pain that feels sharp, stabbing, or hot. In cases of cervical disc degeneration, this pain is felt in the shoulder, arm, or hand (called a cervical radiculopathy); in cases of lumbar disc degeneration, pain is felt in the hips, buttocks, or down the back of the leg (called a lumbar radiculopathy).
What is the best doctor to see for degenerative disc disease?
If you are researching spine surgeons, focus on surgeons who specialize in degenerative disc disease. Neurologists. These physicians specialize in the care of the nervous system. If you have nerve involvement, you’ll probably work with a neurologist.
Does MRI and CT scan necessary for scoliosis?
Both MR imaging and CT can be recommended for the detection of underlying causes of scoliosis. CT is also used to guide preoperative planning. The use of MR imaging in presumed idiopathic scoliosis is warranted in the presence of reasonable indications. Treatment options are observation, bracing, and surgery.
What is a spinal CT scan?
(Spinal CT Scan, CT of the Spine or Back) Computed tomography (CT scan or CAT scan) is a noninvasive diagnostic imaging procedure that uses a combination of X-rays and computer technology to produce horizontal, or axial, images (often called slices) of the body.
Is a bone scan better than a MRI scan?
Research has shown that MRI’s are able to detect bone cancer better than traditional bone scans can. MRI can show the physical abscess and abnormal appearance of bones infected by harmful diseases, specifically osteomyelitis Osteomyelitis An infection in the bone caused by bacteria or fungi. . Bone Scans. Bone scans, or bone scintigraphy, created images of bones by using radioactive tracers.
Can CT scans show herniated discs?
An MRI and CT scans are best for showing herniated or bulging discs. The disc is actually softer tissue and the bone scan “sees” only the bone not the soft tissues around. MRI and CT are better at showing the softer tissues of the discs and muscles, ligaments etc.