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Conditions of the Lumbar SpineDegenerative Disc Disease (DDD)
The so-called ‘slipped disc’ is not getting enough nutrients and will not be able to repair itself once injured. If the outer core, or nucleus fibrosus, tears, it can cause back pain. The inner core of a disc, or the nucleus pulposus, is very soft and can cause severe leg pain if it comes into contact with a nerve root. This causes inflammation and can result in sciatica or radiculopathy. Spondylolisthesis
Depending on how far the vertebra has slipped, doctors label spondylolisthesis in four grades, I being the least amount of slippage, all the way up to IV, which is the most slippage. Not all cases of spondylolisthesis require surgery. |
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DDD
is a slow deterioration of discs located between vertebrae. Since
these discs act as a shock absorber between each vertebra, the reduction
or loss of disc height can cause pain. 
Spondylolisthesis occurs when one vertebra slips forward in relation to an adjacent vertebra, usually in the lumbar spine. The symptoms that accompany a spondylolisthesis include pain in the low back, thighs and/or legs, muscle spasms, weakness, and/or tight hamstring muscles. Some people are symptom free and find the disorder exists when revealed on an x-ray. Spondylolisthesis may result from the physical stress placed on the spine, improper lifting of heavy items, weightlifting, football, gymnastics, trauma, and general wear and tear. As the vertebral components degenerate, the spine’s integrity is compromised. Pain is the primary symptom associated with spondylolisthesis. 