Degenerative Disc Disease

Maintaining spinal health and comfort can be one of the core ways to ensure a healthy quality of life. From mobility to convenience, spinal health radiates influence into every corner of our lives. This impact though can make conditions like degenerative disc disease a significant challenge. We are proud to provide treatment solutions for degenerative disc disease in Newport Beach & Bakersfield at our two Paragon Health Group locations.
Graphical image of a man showing as xray with a focus on inflammation of spine

What Is Degenerative Spinal Disc Disease?

Degenerative spinal disc disease (DDD) is a condition affecting the discs between vertebrae of the spine, and it progresses over time. It occurs when these discs break down or deteriorate due to wear and tear over time. This deterioration can cause symptoms such as back pain, sciatica, and numbness in the extremities. DDD is often accompanied by other spinal concerns, with an increased risk of injury being among them. The disease may start out with mild symptoms, but it can gradually worsen over time. If it progresses far enough without treatment, patients may begin experiencing significant symptoms, such as chronic pain and reduction in overall mobility.

Image of a male athelete holding his back with two hands and feeling pain in standing position from backside

Common Causes of Degenerative Disc Disease

Degenerative disc disease can be caused by age-related wear and tear, injury, or repetitive stress from activities such as lifting heavy objects. It also may result from genetic predisposition or medical conditions like osteoporosis. While no single cause can be entirely prevented, making healthy life choices and living an active lifestyle can provide support for a healthier spine.

Signs You Have Spinal Disc Degeneration

The earliest sign of degenerative disc disease is typically lower back pain. This can be accompanied by other symptoms such as numbness or tingling in the extremities, decreased flexibility and range of motion, weakness, and muscle spasms. If you experience any of these symptoms, seeing a spinal surgeon for an accurate diagnosis is essential. After your spinal surgeon assesses your situation, they can begin discussing your available treatment options. They may also provide additional instructions for daily ways to mitigate symptoms in the meantime.

How Do We Treat Spinal Degeneration?

At our office, we offer a variety of treatments for degenerative disc disease. We may recommend medications to help manage pain and inflammation, physical therapy, lifestyle changes, or even surgery if needed. Depending on the severity of your condition, we will determine the best treatment plan for you to return to an improved quality of life. The goal of treatment for degenerative disc disease is to reduce pain and improve functioning. Medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help manage pain, while injections of corticosteroids or anesthetics can provide longer-term relief. Physical therapy can strengthen the back and provide both functional and symptom-related relief. Surgery is reserved for more extreme cases when other solutions have not provided satisfactory outcomes for the patient.

What Will the Results Be of Spinal Degeneration Treatment?

The results of treatment for degenerative disc disease vary depending on the severity of your condition and the type of treatment you receive. Generally, with proper care, most patients can reduce pain and improve functioning in the affected area. Surgery may sometimes be necessary to repair or stabilize a damaged disc but is reserved for more progressed stages of the disease. Ultimately, our goal is to help you return to a sense of baseline comfort, free from the pain and mobility restrictions caused by the condition. While results vary, your surgeon can provide you with a personalized estimate of what your outcomes can be expected to look like.

Preventing the Spine Disc Degeneration

Although degenerative disc disease cannot be wholly prevented, there are several steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing it. Regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding activities that involve repetitive stress on the spine can all help protect against spinal disc deterioration. Additionally, wearing the proper protective gear when playing sports or engaging in other physical activities is vital for keeping your spine protected against injuries.

Schedule Your Visit Today

If you are experiencing signs of degenerative disc disease, don’t hesitate to contact us for an appointment. Our experienced team of spinal health experts and neurosurgeon can provide an accurate diagnosis and recommend the best course of treatment for your needs. Call us today or schedule an appointment online through our form to start on your journey to a pain-free life!