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Disc degeneration is part of the aging process, but only about 5% of people with degenerative disc disease (DDD) experience pain. John East, DO, and the team at Addison Pain + Regenerative Medicine in Addison, Texas, specialize in treating pain caused by degenerative disc disease, offering innovative therapies that ease discomfort and restore quality of life. Call today or schedule your DDD evaluation using the online booking tool.
What is degenerative disc disease?
Degenerative disc disease (DDD) refers to the wearing down of the intervertebral discs as you get older. Intervertebral discs separate the bones (vertebrae) in your spine, acting as a cushion and shock absorber. These discs also allow you to bend and twist your back with ease.
As you get older, the intervertebral discs shrink, affecting the space between the spinal bones. The bones may rub together or irritate a spinal nerve, causing pain and inflammation.
Degenerative disc disease may also lead to other back problems that cause pain, such as disc herniation, spinal stenosis (narrowing in the spine), or spondylolisthesis (vertebral bone displacement).
How do I know if I have degenerative disc disease?
Schedule a consultation at Addison Pain + Regenerative Medicine if you have neck or back pain that comes and goes and sometimes causes tingling or numbness that radiates into your arms or legs.
Most people 40 and older have some amount of disc degeneration, but not everyone develops pain. You’re more likely to develop problems from DDD if your intervertebral discs dry out and thin, affecting shock absorption. Or, if you have other back conditions, like disc herniation.
Should I seek pain management if I have back or neck pain from DDD?
If you have back or neck pain from degenerative disc disease and at-home care isn’t helping, then it’s time to schedule an appointment with the team at Addison Pain + Regenerative Medicine. Its pain specialists offer many treatment options, customizing plans to get patients the best outcomes.
Your pain specialist reviews your symptoms and medical history and examines your spine. They also order imaging tests to locate the areas of degeneration and diagnose any related complications.
What are the treatments for degenerative disc disease?
The team at Addison Pain + Regenerative Medicine customizes your degenerative disc disease treatment plan based on the severity of your symptoms and your overall health.
Treatments for degenerative disc disease may include:
- Activity modification
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Physical therapy
- Chiropractic care
- Epidural steroid injections
- Facet joint injections
- Radiofrequency ablation
- Nerve blocks
- Spinal cord stimulation (SCS)
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections
Most people with DDD experience an improvement in their pain with non-surgical interventions. The team at Addison Pain + Regenerative Medicine works closely with you, making sure you get the outcomes you expect.
Call Addison Pain + Regenerative Medicine today or schedule your degenerative disc disease evaluation online.