Degenerative disc disease is when the intervertebral discs in the spine undergo wear and tear over time, leading to pain and discomfort. As the discs lose their cushioning ability, you might experience stiffness, reduced flexibility, and pain.
Degenerative Disc
Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is part of the natural process of growing older. As we age, our intervertebral discs lose their flexibility, elasticity, and shock absorbing characteristics. The outer fibers that surround the disc, called the annulus fibrosis, become brittle and are more easily torn. At the same time, the soft gel-like center of the disc, called the nucleus pulposus, starts to dry out and shrink. The combination of damage to the intervertebral discs, the development of bone spurs and the gradual thickening of the ligaments that support the spine can all contribute to degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine.
Treatment Options
Your doctor will discuss with you the treatment options appropriate for your diagnosis. For most people who do not have evidence of nerve root compression with muscle weakness, conservative, non-surgical therapies, such as medication, rest, exercise and physical therapy, are typically recommended. Surgery is offered only after conservative treatment has have failed to adequately relieve the symptoms of pain, numbness and weakness over a significant period of time. The benefits of spine surgery, however, must be weighed against the risks. Your surgeon will be able to discuss the risks and benefits of surgery with you, and the likely results of operative versus non-operative treatment.
Degenerative Disc Q & A
What symptoms does degenerative disc disease cause?
How is degenerative disc disease treated?
What are the surgical options for 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.
