The fact that you have disc herniations at two levels already indicates degenerative discs. The back wall of the disc (posterior annulus) has to tear thru and thru to allow a disc herniation to occur (see lumbar HNP on website). By definition, a tear in the back wall of the disc is “degenerative” although some tears can occur through trauma (fall or impact).
You cannot turn back the clock after the disc becomes degenerative. This does not mean that you are destined for future trouble. I have a significant degenerative disc at L5-S1 and I can still stand for 18 hours in surgery without symptoms. You need to think in terms of management. After you undergo surgery, a rehabilitation program with core strengthening and ergonomics (avoidance of certain positions that put more strain on the disc) should be undertaken.
Dr. Corenman
PLEASE REMEMBER, THIS FORUM IS MEANT TO PROVIDE GENERAL INFORMATION ON SPINE ANATOMY, CONDITIONS AND TREATMENTS. TO GET AN ACCURATE DIAGNOSIS, YOU MUST VISIT A QUALIFIED PROFESSIONAL IN PERSON.
Donald Corenman, MD, DC is a highly-regarded spine surgeon, considered an expert in the area of neck and back pain. Trained as both a Medical Doctor and Doctor of Chiropractic, Dr. Corenman earned academic appointments as Clinical Assistant Professor and Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, and his research on spine surgery and rehabilitation has resulted in the publication of multiple peer-reviewed articles and two books.
