What is a motor neuron disease?

[acogg1]

I have degenerated disk in my back with 2 bulging. L3 and L4. CPK levels 1,300. Can the disk cause neurogenic atrophy?

[supermum_ms]

Hi there,

Q: What is Motor Neuron disease

A: Motor neuron disease (MND), is also known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and it is a neuro-degenerative disease that causes rapidly progressive muscle weakness, this disease affects nerve cells (motor neurons) that control the muscles that enable you to move, speak, breathe and swallow, eventually causing death within 2-5 years.

What you have been diagnosed with are very common structural spinal issues, degenerative discs and bulging discs have nothing to do with motor neuron disease!  

Q: Can the disk cause neurogenic atrophy?

A: A herniated disc which has caused compression of the spinal cord is an injury that affects the nerves which supply muscles, so a herniated disc could actually result in neurogenic muscle atrophy.

A herniated disk is not the same thing as degenerative disc disease and or bulging discs though, herniated disks are also called ruptured disks or slipped disks, and it's basically a crack in the outer layer of cartilage with the inner of cartilage protruding out of the disk.

The more common causes of muscle atrophy from a structural spinal issue like you've been diagnosed with, wouldn't be as severe as neurogenic atrophy. The main cause of muscle wasting is usually from lack of physical activity because of a disease or injury that has made it very difficult and or impossible to move.

IF disuse is the main cause, muscle wastage can be reversed with a tailored exercise program or physical therapy, an altered diet etc  

Hope that helps......JJ