Discogenic PainDiscogenic pain is another very controversial diagnosis, but that does not stop it from being made daily by numerous health care providers. Although the theory of this condition might make sense to some, it is likely to be one of the most misdiagnosed disc related concerns.
Pain which is described as discogenic means that the source of the discomfort is the disc itself. Patients with
herniated discs
are usually told that the disc itself is not painful, but the material bulging out of the disc is causing pain due to a
pinched nerve
or
sciatica
condition. Most patients with
degenerative disc disease
are told that their pain is also caused by some form of nerve compression, either due to the narrowed intervertebral space or associated spinal osteoarthritic changes. So what is the theory behind pain which is considered discogenic?
Symptoms which are called discogenic are usually diagnosed when pain is obviously affecting a given spinal area which is free from herniations or significant degeneration. No worries here… The creative doctors have found something else to blame for your pain!
Spinal discs
have no blood vessels and no nerve endings in them. However, they are secured to the vertebrae above and below by what are known as cartilaginous endplates. These endplates do have tiny nerve endings, which are the structures blamed for discogenic symptoms. Even though these nerves are miniscule, they are often targeted as the source of debilitating
back pain.
Advice on Discogenic PainPersonally, I do not subscribe to this theory at all. The neurological structures are not likely the source of any symptoms in the vast majority of diagnosed patients. Far more likely is regional oxygen deprivation causing widespread nerve pain, although this diagnosis is rarely made…If you have been diagnosed with discogenic symptoms, you had better learn the facts about spinal anatomy and the likely sources of back pain. I am sure that your research will lead you to discover that these tiny nerves are most likely innocent. Do not be dismayed… You are merely one of millions who are misdiagnosed everyday within the healthcare system. But, there is hope... Knowledge therapy is a good place to start. This treatment will teach you what might be causing your pain, but more importantly, it will certainly show you what is NOT causing it… Discogenic Pain to Herniated Disc 10/9/08 Revised 7/16/11 |
Sensei Adam Rostocki
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