Degenerative Disc Disease

Degenerative Disc Disease

As you get older, the structures that make up your spine change, especially around the intervertebral discs. Gradually they can become damaged or prematurely deteriorate, losing their ability to function efficiently as part of the spinal joint. If problems progress, you may struggle with severe back pain that requires the intervention of a trained orthopedic surgeon.

At Desert Institute for Spine Care in Arizona, our goal is to provide outstanding and compassionate care to those struggling with degenerative disc disease. Our doctors are leaders in spinal care and can provide a wide range of minimally invasive treatment options to help you manage pain and strengthen your back.

Schedule an Appointment Obtain Second Opinion

Causes of Degenerative Disc Disease

The main cause of degenerative disc disease is disc deterioration due to repetitive motion, aging or trauma to the spine. Once degeneration begins, the outer structure of the discs, called the annulus fibrosis, may tear. This exposes the interior of the disc that has the gel-like texture, the nucleus pulposus.

There are small micro nerve fibers that are located in the disc’s outer annulus fibrosis. As fluid leaks out through the tears, it can irritate the nerve fibers, resulting in inflammation and extremely painful symptoms in the low back.

In addition, the fluid leaking through the disc tear can irritate the adjacent exiting spinal nerve or sometimes called the sciatic nerve, sending pain into the buttocks and down the leg.

Those who smoke, are overweight or perform heavy physical labor may be more prone to experience degenerative disc disease.

Schedule an Appointment

Nonsurgical Treatment Options for Degenerative Disc Disease in AZ

At DISC, our doctors specialize in a full range of treatment options for degenerative disc disease. Rather than helping you manage symptoms, our goal is to diagnose and treat the source of your pain and prevent it from returning. DISC surgeons always recommend the least invasive options based on the diagnosis and identified pain generator.

The recommendation could include non-surgical treatments like:

• Anti-inflammatory medication and painkillers
• Heat or cold therapy
• Physical therapy exercises
• Therapeutic pain injections