Could My Back Pain Be Degenerative Disc Disease?

Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is a condition that occurs due to the breakdown of the cushion between the disks. It is from the normal wear and tear on the disks every person has from aging, but for some people, this breakdown of the cushioning in your spine cause pain. For some, the pain is minimal; for others it can be debilitating.

Causes of Degenerative Disc Disease

Working like mini shock absorbers between the vertebrae in your spine, your discs help with mobility, from standing and reaching to bending and twisting. These discs wear down over time as you age, but the pain of degenerative disc disease can have a big impact on quality of life for some people. The discs start to break down because they either begin to dry out or they crack from stress.

Symptoms of Degenerative Disk Disease

Some people experience sharp pain in the neck or back, but precise symptoms will depend on what disc is causing you the most trouble. You may experience lower back pain, and the pain may come and go depending on your level of activity. Bending and twisting can make the pain worse. Walking may actually improve your pain. If you begin to experience numbness in your extremities, it might indicate that the DDD is impacting your nerves. It is important to make an appointment with Specialty Orthopaedics to determine a course of treatment.

Treatment

At Specialty Orthopaedics, our doctors are committed to providing our patients with access to both traditional treatment options as well as innovative surgical procedures to treat problems associated with DDD. When your DDD is mild and only causes minor discomfort, we always approach your treatment with conservative options, including rest, icing, lifestyle changes, and physical therapy. Some patients may also benefit from anti-inflammatory medications. DDD may sometimes cause more severe issues that require surgery.

If you are experiencing symptoms of degenerative disc disease, visit Specialty Orthopaedics. Our New York orthopedic practice is home to a team of fellowship-trained orthopedists in a variety of orthopedic specialty areas. We offer comprehensive treatment for musculoskeletal disorders in a caring and responsive clinical atmosphere. Give us a call at 914.686.0111 or fill out the form on this page to schedule your appointment today.