Living with chronic back pain can be a tough and confusing battle. If you or someone you know has degenerative disc disease (DDD), it’s important to remember that you are not alone.
Many people struggle with this condition, and it can greatly affect their daily lives. But don’t worry, with the right information and support, managing degenerative disc disease and finding relief is possible.
Let’s discuss everything you need to know about degenerative disc disease so that you can take steps to better manage your symptoms and improve your overall well-being.
What Is Degenerative Disc Disease?
First, despite its name, degenerative disc disease isn’t actually a disease. It’s a condition that happens as we get older, and our spinal discs start to wear out. These discs are like little cushions between the bones in your spine, making them flexible and allowing you to bend and twist.
Imagine these discs as jelly donuts. Just like how a donut might squish down if you sit on it, the discs in your spine compress as they age. Sometimes, they can even crack.
This can lead to the “jelly” (the nucleus) being pushed out. When this happens, it can cause pain, weakness, or numbness, depending on where it is located in the spine.
Why Does It Happen?
Your back is involved in almost everything you do, from sitting at your desk all day to playing sports. Over time, all this activity can wear down the discs in your spine. Other factors include:
- Aging: Just like shoes wear out with use, so do your spinal discs.
- Injury: Sudden injuries can cause immediate damage to a disc.
- Lifestyle Choices: Not exercising, smoking, and heavy lifting can speed up the wear and tear.
Signs to Watch For
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms of degenerative disc disease, it might be time to see a back doctor:
- Persistent Pain in Your Back or Neck: The location of the pain depends on where the affected disc is.
- Pain That Gets Worse When You Do Certain Activities: Like bending over, lifting heavy objects, or sitting for a long time.
- Numbness or Tingling: Especially in your arms or legs, depending on where the affected disc is located.
How Is It Diagnosed?
A spine specialist or back specialist will start with a physical exam and may ask about your medical history. They might also order imaging tests like an MRI or CT scan to take a closer look at the discs and the structure of your spine.
Treatment Options
The good news is there are several ways to manage degenerative disc disease:
Non-surgical Treatments
Physical Therapy
Think of physical therapy as a special kind of exercise program that’s all about making your back stronger and more flexible.
A physical therapist will work with you to create a set of exercises tailored just for you. These exercises focus on strengthening the muscles around your spine, which can help take some of the pressure off your discs. Plus, improving your flexibility can help you move more easily and with less pain.
Medication
Pain relievers can help make the pain more bearable, while anti-inflammatory medications can reduce swelling and irritation around the damaged disc. Your doctor might suggest over-the-counter options or prescribe something stronger depending on how severe your pain is.
Lifestyle Changes
Making some changes in your daily life can also make a big difference in managing degenerative disc disease.
Staying active, for example, helps keep your back muscles strong and flexible. But it’s important to choose low-impact activities like walking, swimming, or cycling that don’t put too much strain on your spine.
Quitting smoking is another big one. Smoking isn’t just bad for your lungs; it can actually make degenerative disc disease worse by reducing blood flow to your spine and speeding up the aging process of your discs.
Finally, keeping a healthy weight is crucial. Extra pounds put extra pressure on your spine, which can lead to more pain. Eating right and staying active can help you manage your weight and reduce the strain on your back.
Surgical Treatments
In cases where non-surgical treatments haven’t helped enough, surgery might be the next step. Your back doctor will talk to you about the best surgical option for your specific situation. Here are a couple of possibilities:
Removing the Damaged Disc
One common surgical treatment is to remove the damaged disc entirely. This can relieve the pressure on any nerves that are being squeezed by the bulging or herniated disc.
Fusing the Bones Together (Fusion Surgery)
After removing the disc, your surgeon might need to stabilize that part of your spine. One way to do this is by fusing the bones above and below where the disc was removed.
The surgeon uses bone grafts and sometimes metal rods or screws to keep everything in place. Over time, the bones fuse together into one solid piece.
Replacing the Disc with an Artificial One
Another option is disc replacement, where the damaged disc is replaced with an artificial one. This can help keep your spine flexible, which isn’t always possible with fusion surgery.
Finding an Expert for Back Pain
It’s important to find a good healthcare provider when you have degenerative disc disease. Look up “spine specialist near me,” “back specialist near me,” or “back doctor near me” to find experienced professionals who can diagnose and treat your condition well.
These specialists know all about spine health and can give you treatments that are just right for you.
Spine Specialist Near Me in Hartford County, CT & Springfield, MA
At Advanced Orthopedics New England, our board-certified specialists are at the forefront of treating spine conditions, including degenerative disc disease, with both non-surgical and surgical options tailored to your specific needs.
To schedule an appointment, call us today at (860) 728-6740. We look forward to serving you!
