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About Degenerative Disc Disease

Degenerative disc disease is one of the most common causes of neck and lower back pain but it’s also one of the most misunderstood ones.

Despite what its name suggests, degenerative disc disease is not a disease itself, but rather a condition brought by the natural wear-and-tear of your spine. The natural aging of the discs may lead directly to nerve compression, causing neck or back pain.

This may also lead to conditions such as herniated discs, osteoarthritis, and spinal stenosis.

Symptoms of Degenerative Disc Disease

The symptoms can vary from one person to another, depending on where the weak disc is and the changes it has caused.

In many cases, pain is the most common symptom. This can be felt in the lower back, buttocks, or upper thighs. This can get worse when you sit, bend, lift, or twist but gets better when you move, walk, change positions or lie down.

The severity of the pain can also vary. Some people experience nagging or severe pain, lasting from a few days to a few months.

How Degenerative Disc Disease is Treated

Treatment for degenerative disc disease varies, depending on one’s symptoms and how severe they are.

Early stages could be managed with medications (over-the-counter or prescription drugs). As the condition progresses, treatment may change, depending on the accompanying conditions that may arise.

If more conservative treatments aren’t working, surgery may be recommended.

Spinal fusion is one of the most common procedures done for degenerative disc disease. It involves removing the affected disc and joining the vertebrae on each side of the removed disc using screws, rods, and bone grafts.

Our doctors at Ozark Orthopaedics Spine Center will assess your condition and determine the most appropriate treatment for you.