Liver blood tests are some of the most commonly performed blood tests. These tests can be used to assess liver functions or liver injury. An initial step in detecting liver damage is a simple blood test to determine the level of certain liver enzymes (proteins) in the blood.
1 Degeneration (deterioration) of the disc makes the disc more susceptible to herniation (rupture), which can lead to localized or radiating pain. 2  Sciatica can result from disc herniation ( ruptured disc ) when nerves in the low back are irritated.
By Michael Perry, M.D. Degenerative disc disease isnât usually isolated to one or two vertebral levels. Degenerative disc disease is the gradual deterioration and thinning of the shock-absorbing intervertebral discs, and often, the deterioration can be seen throughout the spine.y Michael Perry, M.D. Degenerative disc disease isnât usually isolated to one or two vertebral levels. Degenerative disc disease is the gradual deterioration and thinning of the shock-absorbing intervertebral discs, and often, the deterioration can be seen throughout the spine.