ALT is measured to see if the liver is damaged or diseased. Low levels of ALT are normally found in the blood. But when the liver is damaged or diseased, it releases ALT into the bloodstream, which makes ALT levels go up. Most increases in ALT levels are caused by liver damage.
It is a reflex, and although the body's response of muscle spasm is not necessary for the safety of the nerve roots, it can be quite painful. The muscle spasms associated with the instability are thought to cause the flare-ups of intense pain often associated with degenerative disc disease.Article continues below.nflammation. The proteins contained within the disc space can cause a lot of inflammation, and as a general rule inflammation will cause pain. 1  In the lumbar disc space, the low back pain can radiate into the hips.
Degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine. By Michael Perry, M.D. Degenerative joint disease is common in the lumbar spine, or lower back, because this portion of the spine supports about half of the bodyâs total weight. A lifetime of pressure on the lower back can cause the cartilage within the facet joints to wear down, a condition that can lead to bone spurs, joint stiffness, inflammation and pain.