Readers will recognize that this website explains degenerative disc disease in a more detailed and accurate manner than other websites. We do this by dispelling common myths about degenerative disc disease. This provides readers with the ability to discern truth from “marketing tactics” employed by other degenerative disc disease websites. This is also why we’re discussing that degenerative disc disease is not actually a disease, but merely a mri appearance.
Because this site doesn’t mince words, it’s an excellent resource for both physicians and patients.
Other websites are for-profit and censor information not supporting advertisers, sponsors, or their personal financial interests.
Likewise, even some Facebook forums often screen applicants to allow them to pander to the financial interests of their sponsors.
Why Degenerative Disc Disease is not a Disease
Let’s first understand why degenerative disc disease isn’t truly a disease. Almost all adults over 18 years old have the MRI appearance of degenerative disc disease. This alone tells us that developing degenerative discs is a normal part of aging rather than a disease.
Some people experience pain associated with degenerative MRI radiographic appearance, but others don’t experience pain. In fact, most people demonstrate the MRI appearance of degenerative disc disease and have no symptoms.
This was first proved in a New England Journal of Medicine study which demonstrated that most asymptomatic adults have degenerative disc disease.
In this study, investigators performed MRI on people without pain and found that over 80% had degenerative disc disease. This confirms that almost every adult has degenerated discs, affirming that this condition is not a disease.
But why do many doctors erroneously call this condition a disease? Money might motivate the use of this term.
“Follow the Money” to Understand Why Degenerative Disc Disease is Called a Disease
Now you understand that “degenerative disc disease” is an inaccurate term because this condition isn’t a disease. It’s a radiographic appearance that may or may not be associated with symptoms.
The phrase “follow the money” may help us understand why doctors often erroneously use the term degenerative disc disease. Physicians and therapists are only paid to treat diseased spines. Because of this, if the MRI report states “normal appearance,” then physicians and therapists may not get paid. However, if “disease” shows up on your MRI report, physicians and therapists will be paid. This can help them justify using therapy, injections, and surgery to treat your spine.
For people with pain or other symptoms, it’s justifiable to report their MRI’s degenerative disc disease appearance as a “disease”. Most physicians report this as “degenerative disc disease pain”, but it’s more appropriate to report the exact pain generator.
Today, identifying the precise source of a patient’s pain is possible because physicians have precise diagnostic tools at their disposal. These diagnostic tools include fluoroscopically guided spinal nerve blocks, facet joint injections, and disc annulograms. These methods test spinal nerves, facet joints, and discs, respectively. The optimal report would identify the precise underlying pain source, rather than merely stating “degenerative disc disease pain.”
Physicians should focus on pinpointing the source of their patient’s pain in order to effectively treat them. Annular tears are the true cause of degenerative disc disease pain. This why treating annular tears is the only way to get lasting pain relief.
Fortunately, the Fibrin used in the Discseel® Procedure does just this by sealing annular tears and preventing further issues. Fibrin also heals the disc and encourages tissue to grow, ensuring that the disc will remain sealed and healthy.
