Degenerative Disc Disease Treatment

As the human body ages, it shows signs of wear and tear. Take, for example, the discs that cushion each of the vertebrae (bones) of the spine. At birth, a person’s disc is about 80 percent water. The older one gets, however, the more the disc dries out and the less it can withstand the shock associated with daily activities, sports, or any type of movement. In fact, by age 60, most people have some degree of disc degeneration. Management of degenerative disc disease is crucial for maintaining a high quality of life.

When a disc degenerates, it is vulnerable to damage and – consequently – some form of back pain or neck pain. Part of the reason for this is because, unlike other tissues in the body, discs have low blood supply. Once injured, a disc cannot repair itself, so the process of degeneration goes unchecked.

Degenerative Disc Disease Symptoms

How do you know if you have degenerative disc disease? Symptoms may include:

Degenerative Disc Disease

pain experiencing back pain
  • Pain in the lower back that gets worse when sitting since the discs in the lower back have three times more load than when you are standing
  • Pain that worsens when you bend, lift, or twist your body
  • Feeling better while walking or running than when sitting or standing for long periods of time
  • Feeling better when you change positions often or when lying down
  • Periods of severe back or neck pain that come and go
  • Muscle tension or spasms
  • A tingling sensation or numbness in the arms or legs
  • Weakness in your leg muscles or foot drop, which possibly indicates damage to the nerve root

The best way to know for sure if you have a degenerative disc is by visiting Ahlgren Spine in Rochester Hills, Bad Axe, or Royal Oak, Michigan. Board-certified spine surgeon Dr. Bradley D. Ahlgren will conduct a comprehensive physical examination and review of your medical history, and discuss your symptoms as well as the circumstances in which your pain started. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can also reveal which disc or discs are damaged.

Treatment options for degenerative disc disease include:

Management of Degenerative Disc Disease in Rochester Hills, Bad Axe, and Royal Oak, Michigan

You don’t have to live with neck or back pain. To learn more about degenerative disc disease and available treatment options, contact Ahlgren Spine at (248) 215-8080 and schedule a consultation with Dr. Ahlgren or request an appointment online to schedule your initial visit.