The National Institute of Arthritis Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases explains that bone is regenerative, living tissue made of an outer dense layer and a spongy inner layer. Bones form and remodel throughout life in a two-part process consisting of resorption, which is when cells break down and remove old bone tissue, and formation, when new tissue replaces the old. Bones in certain portions of the body, such as the spine, work together to aid in movement. The spine comprises 24 small bones, referred to as vertebrae. The individual vertebrae are cushioned by a disk to prevent pressure and rubbing between the bones. Several diseases impact the operation of bone disks, transforming the function of bone and often causing degeneration or extreme discomfort.
Degenerative Disk Disease
The spine is an essential portion of the body required for regular daily movement. Degenerative disk disease is a common spine condition affecting the lower back intervertebral disks. The University of Maryland Medical Center explains that disks between each vertebra in the spine absorb the shock from regular movement to prevent these tiny bones from rubbing against each other. Degeneration of disks occurs typically as a result of the aging process and because of excessive or repeated injury to the ligaments that hold the vertebrae together. Pain in the back radiating down to the thighs is common in degenerative disk disease. In some cases, surgical procedures can offer relief; however, the primary treatment is pain management and finding ways to reduce further degeneration of the disks.
Diskitis
Inflammatory lesions of the intervertebral disk is referred to as diskitis. Spine Universe notes that this condition is more common in children than adults; however, treatment is available to correct the problem. Diskitis results from an infection of the spine that enters the bloodstream. In rare cases the infection is spread from the bones to the disks. Pain of the lower back, inability to walk or lean forward and headache often accompany this disorder.
Temporomandibular Joint Disease
The temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, is located where the jawbone connects to the skull. The Mayo Clinic indicates that disease of this area can occur due to infection, arthritis or injury. In TMJ disease, the cartilage that pads between the bones becomes damaged or displaced and causes the joint to lose normal range of motion. The discomfort of TMJ comes from not being able to move the jaw normally, which impacts eating, speaking and regular facial movement. To ease the pain and inflammation associated with TMJ disease, anti-inflammatory medications are prescribed, and often surgery is suggested to correct the damage.
Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis is the narrowing of spaces in the spine that puts pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots. Narrowing of the openings between bones of the spine is common in this disorder. Similar to degenerative disk disease, this condition is often age related due to the disks between vertebrae developing tears and placing pressure on the spinal cord, the Mayo Clinic states.
