Degenerativo

Degenerativo is an adjective used in several Romance languages, including Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese, to describe processes or conditions that involve progressive deterioration of the structure or function of tissues or organs. The English equivalent is degenerative. In medical contexts, the term often refers to illnesses or injuries that worsen over time and may be irreversible.

Degenerative conditions are typically chronic and progressive, frequently linked to aging, genetic factors, or cumulative mechanical or metabolic damage. They can affect any tissue but are commonly described in the musculoskeletal, nervous, and visual systems.

Common examples include degenerative joint disease (osteoarthritis), degenerative disc disease of the spine, and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Degeneration may involve loss of cells, deterioration of connective tissue, demyelination, or accumulation of abnormal proteins.

Diagnosis relies on clinical evaluation and imaging techniques such as MRI or CT that reveal degenerative changes, sometimes complemented by laboratory tests or biomarkers. Management focuses on relieving symptoms, slowing progression when possible, and preserving function through medication, physical therapy, lifestyle changes, and, when appropriate, surgical intervention. Many degenerative conditions are chronic and currently incurable, though quality of life can improve with appropriate care.

See also: degenerative disease, neurodegeneration.