Lumbar Degenerative Disk Disease

[Eva Tiong]

Hi, i'm a 1st year physio student currently writing a research paper on the above topic and would like to know whether conditions like spondylosis, spinal stenosis,radiculopathy, sciatica,bony encroachment, bulging disks and bone spurs are are sub categories under it.I'm a bit confused about what to write. Please enlighten me if you happen to know about the topic. Thank you.

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[physiobob]

Sounds like you are on the right track. I would explore the term 'disease' as a starting point to understand if this is really an appropriate term to use. Most of the issues you mention are/can be the result of degenerative changes in the disc, which by and large is a normal process as one goes through life. Is it a 'disease' as we usually use the word? I would consider it is not and we should change the term as it has a negative association that will not assist patient understanding and resolution of the symptoms

[Eva Tiong]

oh, thanks for the info. By the way, i would also like to know about the the normal complication that results from treatment of the condition through surgical methods. Is recurrences possible? Are there any side effects that the patients might suffer from conservative treatments as well?

[physiobob]

We can't do all your work for you. You're a student and have to get online and to the library. Look at journal reviews on the use of spinal stabilisation, fusion, disc replacement, laminectomy etc. It is not hard at all to find the answers to your questions