Joint and Spine

Degenerative Disc Disease

Our expert physicians and specialists have the experience and skill to diagnose and treat degenerative disc disease, so you can get back to enjoying life.

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Overview

Degenerative disc disease is a condition wherein the discs of the spine break down over time due to wear and tear. When discs deteriorate, they are less effective at absorbing shock during daily activities.

Causes of Degenerative Disc Disease

Discs in the spine have limited blood supply, meaning that they receive oxygen and nutrients slowly and take a long time to heal when injured. This causes pain and restricted movement in the spine. In people who smoke, discs tend to degenerate faster because of decreased oxygen supply to the spine.

Where Does Spinal Degeneration Occur?

Degenerative disc disease mostly occurs in the neck and lower back, and occasionally in the thoracic (middle) spine.

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Diagnosing Degenerative Disc Disease

Degenerative disc disease can cause ongoing discomfort and affect your ability to move. Symptoms may develop gradually and vary depending on the location and severity of disc degeneration.

Signs & Symptoms

The most common symptom of degenerative disc disease is pain that may:

Become chronic, lasting for several weeks or longer
Increase when twisting, bending or lifting
Occur after getting out of bed in the morning
Worsen after long periods of sitting or stillness

Diagnosis

A physical examination and imaging can check the extent of wear and tear and diagnose degenerative disc disease. Imaging tests may include:

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)—uses a large magnet, radio frequencies and a computer to produce detailed pictures of your spine.
Computed tomography (CT scan)—combines X-rays and computer technology to produce detailed images of the structures of your bones and discs.
X-rays—identify problems of the neck, back or tailbone associated with back pain.

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Treatment Options

We recommend surgical or nonsurgical treatment of your degenerative disc disease, depending on your level of discomfort and the extent of distress to your discs.

Nonsurgical Treatments

We treat many cases of degenerative disc disease using nonsurgical methods, such as:

Epidural steroid injections—we inject steroid medication into the spinal area.
Exercise and activity modifications—to prevent overuse or damage and relieve pain.
Facet joint injections—we inject pain medication directly into the affected nerve.
Pain management medication—to relieve discomfort, swelling and inflammation.
Physical therapy exercises—to strengthen and regain range of motion in the affected area.

Surgical Treatments

When degenerative disc disease is advanced enough to require surgery, we offer several surgical options, including:

Discectomy—to repair disc damage in the lower back.
Facetectomy—to remove a portion of the spinal joint to decompress a nerve root.
Foraminotomy—to relieve pressure on compressed nerves.
Laminectomy—to remove all or part of the posterior portion of the vertebral bone, relieving pressure on the nerves and spinal cord.
Laminotomy—to remove a portion of the bone around the spinal cord canal to relieve pressure on the vertebrae.
Spinal fusion—to bind painful vertebrae and give stability to the spine.

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