The Connection Between Injury and Degenerative Disc Disease
An injury, such as a fall, can sometimes result in a herniated disc, which in turn may trigger degenerative disc disease. While an individual with a healthy back may only experience temporary pain following an accident, those with existing disc degeneration face additional complications. In addition to the trauma from the injury itself, they also endure excessive swelling and further degeneration symptoms.
It is important to note that the injury is more likely to cause damage to the cartilage on the facet side of the vertebrae, placing an extra burden on the affected disc. Over time, individuals who have experienced such injuries are at a higher risk of developing conditions like osteoarthritis or bone spurs, even years after the initial incident has occurred.
Muscle Weakness in the Legs or Hips
Muscle weakness in the legs or hips can be a symptom of a degenerative back condition. This condition can cause dysfunction and pain in the legs. When the nerve root is damaged, it can result in muscle weakness not only in the hips and legs but also in foot drop. Foot drop is characterized by the inability to lift the front part of the foot off the floor. Along with muscle weakness, individuals may also experience radiating or burning pain and sensory loss. If the nerve root damage is caused by nerve compression, loss of reflexes may also be observed. It is important to note that compression can lead to the death of nerve cells, which may require surgical intervention for treatment.