Degenerative changes in the spine are a common part of aging, often leading to discomfort and reduced mobility. While some people experience issues with a single spinal disc, multilevel disc disease affects multiple discs across different sections of the spine. Understanding this condition, its symptoms, and treatment options is important for managing spinal health.
Understanding Spinal Discs and Their Function
The human spine, a structure of bones called vertebrae, relies on intervertebral discs for flexibility and support. These soft, cushion-like structures are positioned between each vertebra, acting as shock absorbers during daily activities. Each disc consists of two main parts: a tough, fibrous outer ring called the annulus fibrosus and a gel-like inner core known as the nucleus pulposus.
The annulus fibrosus provides structural integrity, while the nucleus pulposus, rich in water content, distributes pressure evenly across the disc. This design allows the spine to move and twist while protecting the vertebrae from excessive wear. Over time, these discs can undergo degenerative changes, losing height, hydration, and elasticity. This deterioration can lead to conditions such as disc narrowing, bulging, or herniation, impacting spinal function.
What Multilevel Disc Disease Means
Multilevel disc disease describes a condition where degenerative changes affect more than one intervertebral disc across multiple spinal sections. While degenerative disc disease can occur at a single level, multilevel involvement signifies a broader pattern of deterioration. This means that discs in the cervical (neck), thoracic (middle back), or lumbar (lower back) regions, or a combination thereof, exhibit signs of degeneration.
The condition is characterized by diffuse degenerative changes, including disc desiccation, which is the loss of fluid content, and a reduction in disc height. These changes can lead to instability and increased pressure on surrounding spinal structures.
Common Signs and Symptoms
Symptoms of multilevel disc disease vary based on the specific discs affected and the severity of their degeneration. Chronic back or neck pain is a common symptom, which can range from a dull ache to sharp, stabbing sensations. This pain often worsens with certain movements, prolonged sitting, or lifting.
Radiating pain may extend down the arms or legs due to nerve compression. This can manifest as sciatica in the lower body or arm pain if cervical discs are involved. Numbness or tingling in the extremities, along with muscle weakness, can occur if nerves are impinged. Reduced flexibility and mobility are also common, making activities that require bending or twisting challenging.
Diagnosis and Management Options
Diagnosis of multilevel disc disease begins with a thorough medical history and physical examination, where a doctor assesses symptoms and spinal flexibility. Imaging tests confirm the diagnosis and determine the extent of disc degeneration. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Computed Tomography (CT) scans provide detailed views of the spinal discs and surrounding structures, helping to identify damaged discs and nerve compression. X-rays can also show changes in disc height and bone structure.
Management of multilevel disc disease typically starts with conservative treatments aimed at reducing pain and improving function. Physical therapy is a primary approach, focusing on strengthening spinal muscles, improving flexibility, and correcting posture to alleviate pressure on discs. Medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and muscle relaxants, are often prescribed to manage pain and inflammation. Steroid injections near the spinal nerves can also provide temporary pain relief by reducing inflammation.
Lifestyle modifications are also important, including maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in low-impact physical activity like walking or swimming, and adopting proper ergonomics. These adjustments help support spinal health and prevent further deterioration. If conservative approaches do not provide sufficient relief, surgical interventions may be considered. Procedures like diskectomy, laminectomy, spinal fusion, or artificial disc replacement aim to decompress nerves, stabilize the spine, or replace damaged discs. Surgical decisions are made after considering the patient’s symptoms, the extent of degeneration, and potential benefits versus risks.