Hello,
Thanks for writing in.
You have reported
pain/discomfort along the entire spine - from the neck to the low back. You are physically fit. Mother has degenerative disc disease. You spend considerable time driving.
In the spine, a small amount of
pain can trigger a general amount of
pain. In other words, the muscles along the spine (the paraspinal muscle run the length of the entire spine) can spasm and cause
pain or discomfort.
Pain can also be referred from one place in the back to another (without muscle spasm).
With your history, I would evaluate the back for overall mobility to determine if you tend toward hyper or hypo mobility. I would suspect the former. With hypermobility of the spine, there is an increase of shearing force at the facet joints (small joints in the spine)and increased risk of laxity between the vertebrae. Over time this can caused
arthritis, mal aligned of the spine, or inflamation in the tissue supporting the spine including the discs.
Degenerative disc disease is a broad term which radiologist use to describe abnormal MRI findings of the spine.
Before having an MRI, you may consider seeing a massage therapist or physical therapist. MRI would be indicated if these do not help or if your
pain is worsening or if numbness/tingling/limb weakness occur (an indication for possible nerve damage).
Also, use of
NSAIDs for a week, heat and/or ice packs may provide some immediately relief.
If in doubt or concern about any above information, consult your primary physician for an accurate diagnosis and treatment options.
Keep us posted and take care.
