What is degenerative disc disease?
Degenerative disc disease is a common condition that typically affects people as they get older. It can cause chronic back pain and makes you more prone to conditions like herniated discs, spinal stenosis, bone spurs, and radiculopathy (pinched nerves).
These effects are due to a slow decline in the condition of your intervertebral discs. These springy, shock-absorbent discs sit between each of the vertebrae in your spine, protecting the bones and helping to stabilize your spinal column.
Discs have a jelly-like substance inside with a tough outer coating. Discs initially contain plenty of fluid, but as you get older, they start to dry out. Your body doesn't replace the cells in the discs frequently, and the effects of wear-and-tear start to take a toll. The result is degenerative disc disease.
What symptoms does degenerative disc disease cause?
You might have degenerative disc disease and not know it because many people don't experience symptoms. The problems usually arise when the condition leads to nerve irritation or compression.
You could have back pain that radiates into your legs if you have degenerative disc disease in your lumbar spine. Or you may have neck pain that radiates into your arms if the condition is affecting your cervical spine.
You may also experience a loss of flexibility in your spine, which leaves you with chronic backache and persistent stiffness.
How is degenerative disc disease treated?
The Center for the Functional Restoration of the Spine team uses non-invasive approaches such as medication, activity modification, and physical therapies. These methods work well for most patients, although some might require further interventions such as:
- Epidural steroid injections
- IDET (intradiscal electrothermal therapy)
- Percutaneous disc nucleoplasty
- Spinal cord stimulation
If your degenerative disc disease continues to cause unmanageable pain despite following a comprehensive treatment plan for some months, you might want to look at surgical alternatives.
What are the surgical options for degenerative disc disease?
The Center for the Functional Restoration of the Spine team may treat degenerative disc disease with:
- Microdiscectomy
- Artificial disc replacement
- Endoscopic decompression
- Dekompressor discectomy
- Spinal fusion
- Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF)
The surgery that's best for you depends on which discs need treatment and factors like your age and general health.
To get relief from degenerative disc disease symptoms, call Center for the Functional Restoration of the Spine, or book an appointment online today.
Degenerative Disc Disease
