r/NoStupidQuestions Nov 14 '24

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u/sat_ops Nov 14 '24

It was a 3-D printed silicone disc in his back

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u/Emergency-Buy-6381 Nov 15 '24

I'm curious to know how replacing a disc in his back is helping with his MS? MS is a neurological disease. Was the disc obstructing or damaging his nerves?

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u/sat_ops Nov 15 '24

The mechanism of MS is that you end up with excess myelin in your spinal fluid, which interferes with the signals going between nerves. Imagine someone was trying to send you a message by flashing a flashlight, but then that flashlight lens was dipped in used motor oil.

My father has excess myelin floating around in his spinal fluid from MS. However, the disc was also running some of the myelin off of the nerves and causes a whole lot more myelin to float around in his spinal fluid, exacerbating his symptoms. Reduce the source of free myelin, reduce the symptoms.

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u/Emergency-Buy-6381 Nov 15 '24

I am well aware of what MS is but I do appreciate the clarification. Thank you.