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Discopatía Degenerativa Lumbar
por el Doctor José Molina
Neurocirujano Adultos y Niños
Degenerative disc disease occurs when the discs, the cartilaginous “cushions” that exist between the bones of the spine, undergo a process of degeneration that causes them to lose height and hydration. This causes the disc to malfunction and generally causes pain. It occurs naturally in most people over the years and is part of the aging process. However, it can be enhanced by work or sports activity in the face of repetitive increased loads.
What is the cause?
It is not actually a disease, but a disorder in which pain is caused by a damaged intervertebral disc.
Various factors can cause disc degeneration, in addition to age. Some of them are:
Genetic predisposition
Work activity
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms are usually centered in the lower back or neck, depending on the location of the affected disc or discs. The most common are:
Persistent to severe and disabling pain.
Pain in the lower back, buttocks and thighs. Neck pain that can radiate to the arms and hands. Pain that worsens when sitting.
Pain that worsens when bending over, standing up, or turning around.
Pain that decreases when walking and moving.
Pain that lessens when changing positions often or lying down.
Intermittent periods of severe pain, ranging from a few days to a few months. Numbness and tingling of the extremities.
Soft spot In leg muscles or foot drop can signal nerve root damage.