Disc Desiccation and Its Effects

Dr. Manu Krishnan explains disk desiccation, a common degenerative change in intervertebral discs, also known as disk dehydration. The video covers the anatomy of intervertebral discs, their role in spinal movement, and how MRI scans can reveal the differences between healthy and desiccated discs. Symptoms such as pain and numbness are discussed, along with a case study of a 37-year-old man with chronic back pain due to disk desiccation. The video concludes with an invitation for further questions.

What is another term commonly used for disc desiccation?

• Disc dehydration

• Disc compression

• Disc expansion

• Disc hydration

What is the main cause of disc desiccation?

• Injury

• Infection

• Degenerative changes

• Nutritional deficiency

What is the primary function of intervertebral discs?

• To protect the spinal cord

• To facilitate movement of the vertebral column

• To generate nerve signals

• To store nutrients

What color change is observed in dehydrated discs on an MRI?

• They become transparent

• They become lighter

• They become darker

• They turn red

What structure is affected by the compression due to disc desiccation?

• Spinal cord

• Spinal nerve roots

• Vertebral bodies

• Muscles

What is the effect of disc desiccation on the width of the disc?

• It fluctuates

• It remains the same

• It decreases

• It increases

What is the primary imaging technique used to assess disc desiccation?

• X-ray

• CT scan

• MRI

• Ultrasound

Which vertebral levels are mentioned as having disc dehydration in the case study?

• L5-S1 and S1-S2

• L4-L5 and L5-S1

• L3-L4 and L4-L5

• L1-L2 and L2-L3

What is the typical age of the patient in the case study with disc desiccation?

• 57 years old

• 47 years old

• 37 years old

• 27 years old

What symptom is NOT typically associated with disc desiccation?

• Radiating pain

• Increased flexibility

• Lower back pain

• Numbness