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Internal Disc Degeneration Updated 4/2010

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BASICS

  • Description
  • Epidemiology
  • Risk Factors
  • Pathophysiology
  • General Prevention
  • Associated Conditions

DIAGNOSIS

  • Signs and Symptoms
  • Tests
  • Differential Diagnosis
  • Medication (Drugs)
  • Interventional
  • Rehabilitation
  • Mental Health/Behavioral
  • Surgery
  • Special Therapy

Follow-up

  • Prognosis
  • Complications
The following is an excerpt....
BASICS
Description
  • It is well known that intervertebral discs degenerate over time, demonstrating age-related changes occurring as early as the second decade of life. As changes occur to the three principal components of the disc, these may lead to:
    • –Transformation in the innervation patterns seen within the disc
    • –Modifications in the principle matrix in any of those areas
    • –Increased catabolism
    • –Dysfunctional metabolism involving proteins, cytokines, and inflammatory modulators within the disc. These transformations may or may not produce pain.
  • Disc degeneration may alter the biomechanics of the spine, producing additional loading on nearby structures such as the facet joints, intervertebral ligaments, or adjacent motion segments. These could lead to other problems, such as nerve root impingement or spinal stenosis ...

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