Multiple degenerative disc disease

a very long diagnosis.. and someone dear to me has this

a common misdiagnosed conditions in older people
since more common ones include-
muscle spasm
spondylosis a.k.a uncomplicated osteoarthritis of the spine
disc prolapse(herniated disc)
spine compression fracture ( seen in patients with long standig osteoporosis)

Spinal radiographs ( X rays)shows only the bony tissues clearly while soft tissues such as organs and nerves are rarely seen
..MRI images are best when this condition is suspected.this is how an MRI image of this condition looks like

.:Each degenerated disc has a tendency of compressing onto the spinal cord, causing a sharp shooting pain or numbness, areas affected depends on the level of spinal cord which is involve.Most commonly is the lumbar area(the spine after the rib cage and before the hip bone).Sites supplied by the spinal cord n this area is the legs

There is no way to stop this.only delaying progression and relieving the symptoms are possible


Management:

First choice- analgesics. paracetamol and cox inhibitors
combined with physiotherapy
2nd choice- epidural steroidal injection (injecting into the space enclosing the spinal cord)
3rd choice- fusion of the vertebrae ( surgery to fuse the spine .limiting movement of the spine reduces the symptoms)

Choice of treatment are according to the order above, proceeding to the next only if that current treatment does not provide symptom relieve.


Guess which is the original size of the spine when seen from the side in an x-ray
(A) (B) (C)