Degenerative Disc Disease/Radiculopathy/Spinal Stenosis PATIENT EDUCATION SHEET

Home , Nerve root, Radiculopathy, Spinal stenosis, Spondylosis

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Degenerative Disc Disease Spinal Stenosis

Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is often Spinal stenosis (also called central stenosis) is narrowing the first sign of trauma or stress, causing of the spinal column that causes pressure on the spinal a breakdown in the elements of the cord. This is in contrast to narrowing of the openings on spine. This normal “wear and tear” the side of the spine (called neural foramina) where process is called spondylosis and may spinal nerves leave the spinal column. This type of affect the surrounding structures narrowing is also called foraminal stenosis or peripheral (bones, ligaments, joints and nerves) in a stenosis. degenerative cascade of changes. Stenosis usually occurs as a Bulging discs are non-focal, involving more than half of person ages and the disks the disc and can be diffuse, causing problems bilaterally become drier and start to or centrally. This type of disc pathology may be seen shrink. At the same time, the commonly with spinal stenosis. bones and ligaments of the spine swell or grow larger due Herniated discs are more focal, involving a smaller to arthritis or long-term portion and inner nucleus of the disc, and are usually swelling (inflammation). one sided, causing more radiating pain in the arm or leg. This type of disc pathology may be Spinal stenosis may also be caused by: seen commonly with foraminal stenosis.  Arthritis of the spine, usually as we get older  Defect or growth in the spine that was present from birth (congenital stenosis)  Herniated or bulging disc Radiculopathy (vs.“sciatica”)  Tumors or other masses in the spine

The origin of the term “radic” means “root,” meaning Symptoms of spinal stenosis often include numbness, the nerve root is affected in true radiculopathy. This is a cramping, pain in the back, buttocks, thighs, or calves, spinal problem, because the nerve roots are present in or weakness of part of a leg or arm. Symptoms are more the spine at each level and exit through the openings likely to be present or get worse when you stand or known as neural foramen. A bulging or herniated disc walk. They will often lessen or disappear when you sit may block the neural down or lean forward. Most people with spinal stenosis foramen causing impingement cannot walk for a long period of time without pain. This upon the nerve and radiating is called claudication. More serious symptom include symptoms in the arms or legs. difficulty controlling bowel or bladder function, or poor The “sciatica” is a more balance when walking. generic term used for cases where the pain radiates into the leg in the sciatic nerve distribution. But since 85% to 90% of the time, sciatica occurs because of an issue in the back, the more accurate term of radiculopathy should be used.