Question 1

i have mild to moderate multilevel degenerative disc disease manifested by disc space narrowing endplate sclerosis and spurring. what does this mean?

Accepted Answer

Significant?: Studies were done where individuals with no back complaints received MRI's. By age 30, 30 to 40 percent of the MRI's showed abnormalities such as disc space narrowing. The percentage increased with age. Sclerosis and spurring might be indications of more issues. In other words, don't base your situation strictly on the imaging. You need competent evaluation including physical exam and history.

Question 2

what does it mean stable mid multilevel degenerative disc disease and no signal abnormality within the cord or abnormal enhancem severe pain and burning and itching

Accepted Answer

There : There are many worn out disks in your mid spine (likely thoracic) which are not causing damage or swelling in the spinal cord.  There is no other enhancement in the spinal cord suggestive of other diseases like cancer.  The MRI is stable and not changed from your last mri.  Please discuss your symptoms and MRI scan with a neurologist, interventional pain doctor or spine surgeon. Good luck!

Question 3

xray shows mild multilevel degenerative disc disease with multilevel anterior endplate osteophytes. what does this mean?

Accepted Answer

Arthritis of spine: The end plates on either side of each vertebral bone articulate with the end plates of the ones above and below it. These can become enlarged over time with degenerative arthritis or following trauma. Eventually the space between the vertebrae becomes narrowed and pain sensitve structures like spinal nerves get pinched.

Question 4

my back hurting x-ray showed mild multilevel degenerative disc disease with multilevel anterior endplate osteophytes, meaning & treatment for this?

Accepted Answer

Diagnosis critical: There don't seem to be many physicians who have skills in diagnosing back disease.  Some rheumatologists and some physiatrists and some orthopedic surgeons, but the findings you describe are probably not the cause or related to the pain.

Question 5

being a 31 y/o male, what does it mean when my report says mild multilevel degenerative disc disease and slight scoliosis in the thoracic and lumbar?

Accepted Answer

It is normal for age: It is unfortunate that they use the word disease to describe the mild changes of your lumbar and thoracic spine.  I never see a MRI report that is interpreted completely as normal.  This result would have to be considered in the context of your symptoms.  We dont treat mri's, we treat symptoms.  Hope this helps.

Question 6

comments on xrays: lumbar spine spondylosis with multilevel degenerative disc disease worse at l5-s1 with associated l5-s1 foraminal stenosis.
must i see a specialist?

Accepted Answer

Yes: I would suggest seeing a pain specialist or an orthopedic surgeon

Question 7

what is degenerative disc disease?

Accepted Answer

Wear and tear: Since we are bipeds and walk upright, our discs support a great deal of pressure.  Over time the support fibers (annulous fibrosis) may fray or split allowing the internal disc contents to bulge or protrude.  The space between the vertebrae may narrow, and the disc may dry out or dessicate.  This eventuates in pain and stiffness.

Question 8

what causes degenerative disc disease?

Accepted Answer

Wear and tear: Since we are bipeds and walk upright, our discs support a great deal of pressure.  Over time the support fibers (annulous fibrosis) may fray or split allowing the internal disc contents to bulge or protrude.  The space between the vertebrae may narrow, and the disc may dry out or dessicate.  This eventuates in pain and stiffness.

Question 9

degenerative disc disease. what does that mean?

Accepted Answer

Broad : Usually just means that the discs have lost there fluid content.

Question 10

what are options with degenerative disc disease?

Accepted Answer

Multiple : If no pain, don't worry about it otherwise: exercise, keep your weight down and do not smoke if you have that habit.  Sometimes use of medication can be indicated ranging from over the counter to prescription ones.  Getting a good night's sleep in a decent mattress can help.

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Doctor answers about:

Bike riding with a multilevel degenerative disc disease

A member asked:

I have mild to moderate multilevel degenerative disc disease manifested by disc space narrowing endplate sclerosis and spurring. what does this mean?

A member asked:

What does it mean stable mid multilevel degenerative disc disease and no signal abnormality within the cord or abnormal enhancem severe pain and burning and itching

A member asked:

Xray shows mild multilevel degenerative disc disease with multilevel anterior endplate osteophytes. what does this mean?

A member asked:

My back hurting x-ray showed mild multilevel degenerative disc disease with multilevel anterior endplate osteophytes, meaning & treatment for this?

A member asked:

Being a 31 y/o male, what does it mean when my report says mild multilevel degenerative disc disease and slight scoliosis in the thoracic and lumbar?

A member asked:

Comments on xrays: lumbar spine spondylosis with multilevel degenerative disc disease worse at l5-s1 with associated l5-s1 foraminal stenosis. must i see a specialist?

A member asked:

What is degenerative disc disease?

A member asked:

What causes degenerative disc disease?

A member asked:

Degenerative disc disease. what does that mean?

A member asked:

What are options with degenerative disc disease?

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