Degenerative Disc Disease

I have recently been diagnosed with degenerative disc disease in my lower spine.  I have deep nerve damage and stenosis in the area as well.  My doctors are baffled as to why I have this because I am only 20 years old and have never been in any kind of accident that could have caused damage to my spine.  I have chronic migraines and a family history of Multiple Sclerosis, but the MRI of my brain is normal.  My nerve conduction tests and EMG of my lower extremities were abnormal showing a more significant loss of feeling in the left side.  I am now going back for an MRI of my cervical spine and nerve tests of my upper extremities. The doctor thinks I have more degenerative discs in my upper spine. I am in a lot of pain and at times am having difficulties with my mobility.  The doctor has done lots of blood work which has all come back normal other than a slightly elevated bilirubin count.  I have lost 30 pounds in the course of about a year although I eat alot. I now weigh 120 pounds. Are there any tests I should ask to be run? What could have caused someone as young as me who's never been in an accident to have these problems associated with much older people?  My doctor advises against surgery, but is this something I should get done to avoid further nerve damage? Are there any diseases that cause spinal problems similar to mine that could explain why this is occurring? I'm on Zanaflex and Neurontin, but I have to take a high dose to get relief. I was once a active vibrant person; now I can't even keep up with my 50 year old mother.

[CCF-Neuro-M.D.-JT]

In young patients, trauma is a major cause for early degenerative spine disease (although you report no history of it). Disorders that can cause osteporosis and other changes in the spine of younger patients include rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases that are associated with arthritis, chronic use of steroids, IV drugs, and an immunocompromised state (cancer, HIV, drugs for autoimmune disease that target the immune system) among other possibilities. And then occasionally, we just see young normal and otherwise healthy patients who for some unknown reason have degenerative changes in their spine that we would expect to see in much older patients.

THe weight loss is a bit concerning especially if you've been losing weight unintentionally.  If you haven't already had it checked, thyroid function would be something to look into. AUtoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus should also be considered.  If you have HIV risk factors,then this should also be checked. Whether or not you should get surgery depends on the nature of the actual problem and your surgeon's clinical judgement. Keep in mind that surgery is not a guarantee that the current symptoms will get better or go away, although it's possible that it may prevent further damage. Again, this is something to be discussed with your surgeon.


In the meantime, if osteoporosis is a major concern, then calcium supplements and meds like Fosamax to help prevent bone loss should be considered as well as a formal bone densitometry scan to evaluate the integrity of your overall skeletal structure. Good luck.

[nurse12hr]

Could you add specifics, such as height, weight, smoker, nonsmoker, drinker, etc?

That may help the doc.

[Mirabel]

Sorry they limit the amount of space to type.  I'm a bit over 5'8. I weigh 120 pounds.  I don't smoke or drink.  I'm a vegetarian and maintain healthy eating habits.  My only other health problem is endometriosis.  I have a family history of hodgkins disease,bladder cancer, and MS.  I have had numerous tests done including a chest x-ray, abdominal ultrasound, pelvic ultrasound, laporscopy surgery, colonoscopy, and a large amount of bloodwork done.

[cdm787]

Please see a Pain Management Doctor for the pain (other docs don

[poolef]

CDM,

Did you have Radio frequency rhizotomy on the lumbar or cervical portion of your spine?

[krissylou]

i was a very active girl. My passion was running.  Ide spend summers runnung daily.  Working out, soccer, you name it.  This year i started having major back pain.  I couldnt even run anymore.  I went through pyhsical therapy for three months to be discharged with it not helping me.  I recieved an MRI and they told me i have Degenerative Disk Disease on a couple of my disks.  I am only 21 and i have a feeling this is just he beginning.  So, to another young person, i know exactly what you are going through.  Your not saposed to have this happen to you at this age, i thought it was kids, getting married , growing old and then problems.  Keep your head up and dont lose your passions.  I still work out everyday until i have my bad days,but you should loive for the good ones.  Those are what get you through the bad.

[harleygirl1211]

A related discussion, degenerative lumbar disc disease was started.