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This is a normal part of aging, but it also means that the soft spinal discs that are in between each vertebra can begin to wear down.

These discs are necessary for allowing the spine to move freely including bending, twisting, and flexing. When degenerative disc disease takes place, it tends to occur in the lower area of the back and in the neck. The disease places the pressure on the spinal cord and nerves, causing pain and a lack of mobility.

RISK FACTORS

There are several risk factors that can lead to degenerative disc disease. Anyone who smokes cigarettes is at greater risk for degenerative disc disease. While this is not a condition that is generally associated with smoking, cigarette smoke has a variety of toxins that cause a negative impact on many parts of the body, including the spine.

Obese people are also at an increased risk, due to carrying more weight that puts great pressure on the spine and the discs between each vertebra. People who engage in intense manual labor also suffer from more back problems than the general public, including issues with the discs in the spine.

WHEN TO CALL

Many patients want to know if the back pain they are suffering from is normal. In fact, many people hope that their back issues are treatable with rest, stretching, and medication if necessary.  Since it can be difficult to self-diagnose, if not impossible, we recommend that people call us and schedule an appointment if the back pain lasts for more than a week.

If the back is simply sore from overexerting on the weekend, a week of rest should help the discomfort to go away and mobility to return in full force. If the back problem is actually due to something more serious like degenerative disc disease, it will not go away by simply resting. Instead, the condition will get worse, potentially indicating that a degenerative disc treatment is necessary.

THE SYMPTOMS ARE DIVERSE

Some specific symptoms to look for are:

• Back pain or neck pain that radiates into the buttocks or thighs
• Tingling sensation that radiates to the shoulders, arms, and hands

NON-SURGICAL TREATMENT OPTIONS

We offer a non-surgical treatment option to patients suffering from degenerative disc problems. Typically, our degenerative disc treatment involves a level of spinal decompression which can create space between the vertebrae and alleviate pressure. This treatment is fast, easy to receive, and does not cause much discomfort.

Most patients report that they feel better, have increased flexibility and even feel taller afterward. To learn more about how we treat degenerating disc disease, call our office and schedule an appointment.