Lumbar Disc DiseaseMedical Author:
Jason C. Eck, DO, MS
Jason C. Eck, DO, MSDr. Eck received a Bachelor of Science degree from the Catholic University of America in Biomedical Engineering, followed by a Master of Science degree in Biomedical Engineering from Marquette University. Following this he worked as a research engineer Medical Editor:
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical EditorMelissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.
Lumbar Disc Disease OverviewLow back pain is a very common complaint in the aging population. Fortunately, approximately 90% of episodes of low back pain are self-limiting and resolve within approximately six weeks, regardless of treatment. In most cases of lower back pain, no specific imaging studies or treatment is needed. It is important to first rule out any serious causes of low back pain that need further evaluation by a doctor. "Red flags" (or clues that something more serious could be causing the low back pain) include the following warning signs:
Along with serious conditions suggested by the above warning signs, there are many other causes of low back pain. In fact, many patients with low back pain are never formally diagnosed with a specific cause. Lumbar disc disease refers to a collection of degenerative disorders that can lead to low back pain as people age. It is also know as lumbar spondylosis. There are three main processes that make up lumbar disc disease:
This article discusses lumbar disc disease, along with its clinical features, typical diagnostic steps, and treatment options. |
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Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) »
MRI Introduction
History of MRI
Working independently, Felix Bloch of Stanford University and Edward Purcell of Harvard University made the first successful nuclear magnetic resonance experiment to study chemical compounds in 1946. Dr Bloch and Dr Purcell were awarded the Nobel Prize for Physics in 1952. In the early 1980s, the first "human" magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners became available, producing images of the inside of the body. Current MRI scanners produce highly detailed 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional images of the human anatomy.
Introduction
- An MRI is similar to a computerized topography (CT) scanner in that it produces cross-sectional images of the body. Looking at images of the body in cross section can be compared to looking at the inside of a loaf of bread by slicing it. Unlike a CT scan, MRI does not use x-rays. Instead, it uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to produce...
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Lumbar Disc Disease »
Lumbar disc disease accounts for a large amount of lost productivity in the workforce.
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