Degenerative Disc Disease Treatment
Degenerative disc disease is a condition that describes symptoms associated with damaged spinal discs. Spinal discs degenerate over time most commonly from the natural wear and tear of aging. Other reasons for spinal disc degeneration may include injuries that progressively worsen over time, or progressive diseases such as osteoarthritis or osteoporosis. Degenerative disc disease is one of the most common causes of low back pain and can worsen if treatment is not sought.
Learn about your treatment options
The first step in treating your pain is to get an accurate diagnosis of the cause of your symptoms. Based on your diagnosis, you and your doctor can determine your best treatment options. At The Pain Center, we offer traditional and state-of-the-art therapies to treat your pain and help get you back to your normal activities.
Causes of Degenerative Disc Disease
Age-related changes in the spine contribute to lost fluid in spinal discs, ultimately minimizing their flexibility and ability to absorb shock. As a result, tiny cracks may surface on the exterior of the spinal disc, causing the inside of the disc (nucleus pulposus) to breakthrough. This process could herniate or rupture the spinal disc. An acute injury, smoking cigarettes, heavy lifting, obesity, osteoarthritis, or osteoporosis may also begin or cause the degeneration process.
Degenerative Disc Disease Symptoms
Depending on the condition’s severity level, symptoms of degenerative disc disease could range from little to no symptoms to excruciating pain that limits a person’s abilities. Generally speaking, signs or symptoms of degenerative disc disease may include:
- Sharp, dull, or aching back or neck pain
- Intense pain in the low back, buttocks, or legs
- Pain that worsens with minimal movements (i.e. bending over, twisting)
- Pain that worsens over time
- Numbness or weakness in the back or neck
How to Treat Degenerative Disc Disease
Conservative treatment options such as rest, ice, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be considered for mild cases, but for moderate to severe cases of degenerative disc disease, the following interventional treatment options should be considered:
- Medication Management
- Epidural Steroid Injections
- Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulators (TENS)
- Vertebroplasty
Get the care you need within 24 hours*
We know when you’re looking for relief for your chronic pain, you can’t wait any longer than you already have. This is why we can schedule you with an appointment within 24 hours at most of our pain centers across the Valley, so you can start your journey to life-long pain relief as soon as tomorrow.