Health Tips

Multilevel degenerative disc disease (DDD) is a condition in which two or more intervertebral discs in the spine show signs of wear and tear or degeneration. It most commonly affects the lumbar (lower back) and cervical (neck) spine. What Happens in DDD? Discs between vertebrae lose their normal: This can lead to: Common Locations Symptoms May Include Causes & Risk Factors Treatment Options Non-Surgical Surgical (if severe)

a.       Dos b.      Donts

Reduce stress on your spine, control inflammation, and prevent further degeneration or flare-ups.

Pinched Nerve vs Herniated Disc Term What It Means Pinched Nerve A nerve is compressed or irritated by surrounding structures—can be due to a herniated disc, bone spur, tight muscles, or inflammation. Herniated Disc A disc has torn, and its inner gel-like material (nucleus pulposus) pushes out, possibly pressing on a nearby nerve. Term What It Means Pinched Nerve A nerve is compressed or irritated by surrounding structures—can be due to a herniated disc, bone spur, tight muscles, or inflammation. Herniated Disc A disc has torn, and its inner gel-like material (nucleus pulposus) pushes out, possibly pressing on a nearby nerve. Feature Pinched Nerve Herniated Disc Pain Sharp, shooting pain along nerve (e.g., sciatica) Local + radiating pain (if pressing on nerve) Numbness/tingling Yes – in nerve distribution (leg or arm) Yes – common if nerve is affected Weakness Possible Yes, if motor nerve roots involved Location Anywhere nerve gets compressed Most common at L4-L5, L5-S1, C5-C6, C6-C7 Pinched Nerve Herniated Disc Rest, NSAIDs, stretching Conservative care first (PT, meds) Nerve glides, decompression therapy Epidural injections if nerve irritation persists Surgery if severe or not improving Microdiscectomy, disc replacement, or laminectomy possible

Feature Bulging Disc Herniated Disc Annulus Intact? ✅ Yes ❌ Torn or ruptured Nucleus Displacement ❌ No ✅ Yes Size Broad-based, often >25% of disc Focal, usually <25% of disc Symptoms Often none or mild More likely to cause nerve compression Common Cause Degeneration, aging Trauma, degeneration, lifting injury

Cervical vertigo is dizziness or a sensation of imbalance thought to originate from dysfunction in the neck (cervical spine) especially due to abnormal input from the cervical proprioceptors or reduced vertebral artery blood flow. Symptoms ·         Dizziness or lightheadedness, often worse with neck movement ·         Unsteadiness, especially when standing or walking ·         Neck pain or stiffness ·         Headache ·         Tinnitus or visual disturbances (less common) ·         Sensation of floating, “off-balance,” or spatial disorientation   Category Details Cause Cervical spine dysfunction, poor posture, or vascular compression Key Symptoms Dizziness with neck movement, imbalance, neck pain Diagnosis Clinical + exclusion of vestibular, neurologic, or cardiac causes Treatment Physical therapy, posture correction, meds, manual therapy

Disc Bulge ·         A broad-based, symmetrical extension of the disc beyond its normal boundaries. ·         Involves more than 25% of the disc circumference. ·         The annulus fibrosus (outer layer) remains intact, but weakened or stretched. ·         Often part of degenerative disc disease. ·         May not compress nerves unless severe. 🧠 Think of a slightly overinflated tire bulging evenly all around. Disc Herniation This is a focal displacement of disc material beyond the intervertebral disc space, usually involving less than 25% of the disc circumference. There are three main types: 1. Protrusion ·         Disc material pushes out, but the base is wider than the dome. ·         Annulus is disrupted but still contains the nucleus pulposus (inner gel). ·         Focal, but contained herniation. 🧠 Like a bubble pushing through wallpaper—still attached and contained. 2. Extrusion ·         Disc material escapes through a tear in the annulus, and the tip is wider than the base. ·         The nucleus pulposus leaks out of the disc space. ·         More severe and more likely to compress nerves. 🧠 Like squeezing toothpaste—some spills out through a narrow hole. 3. Sequestration (Sequestered Disc) ·         A free fragment of disc material has broken off and is completely separated from the parent disc. ·         May migrate up or down the spinal canal. ·         Can cause severe nerve root compression or inflammation. 🧠 Like a piece of broken jelly floating away from its container. Summary Table: Term Shape/Extent Annulus Intact? Nucleus Leaked? Risk to Nerves Bulge Broad, >25% of disc Yes No Low (unless severe) Protrusion Focal, base wider than tip Partially No Moderate Extrusion Focal, tip wider than base No Yes High Sequestration Free fragment No Yes Very high

Herniated Disc Muscle Strain Spinal Stenosis Spondylolisthesis or Spinal Instability Compression Fracture Kidney Issues

A herniated disc can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months to heal, depending on factors like severity, location, age, activity level, and treatment. General Healing Timeline: Key Tips to Help Healing: Factors that influence healing time Certainly! Here’s the list of factors that influence healing from a herniated disc: Certainly. Here’s the revised explanation without the treatment section: