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 disc disease and sciatica facts. 1  The discs of the spine serve as cushions between each vertebral segment. 2  The discs are designed somewhat like a jelly donut. 3  Degeneration (deterioration) of the disc makes the disc more susceptible to herniation (rupture), which can lead to localized or radiating pain. Sciatica can result from disc herniation (ruptured disc) when nerves in the low back are irritated.