Degenerative disc disease is when normal changes that take place in the discs of your spine cause pain. Spinal disks are like shock absorbers between the vertebrae, or bones, of your spine. They keep your back flexible, so you can have full range of motion. With age, it is normal for discs to show signs of wear and tear.
Degenerative Disc Disease Common Causes
While pain in the body is most commonly caused by bone and tissue injuries, often from sports injuries from childhood, certain degenerative disorders can cause persistent pain in the neck and back. When the intervertebral disc dries out, it leads to the loss of padding and cushion between the vertebrae. Age, obesity, strenuous physical work, and tobacco smoking can all pose a higher risk for degenerative disc disease.
Symptoms
Patients with degenerative disc disease experience constant, sharp pain in the back and neck. Depending on where the disc is located, symptoms may vary but include:
Lower back pain extending into upper thighs and buttocks
Periodic debilitating pain that can last anywhere from a several days to months at a time
Pain that worsens while sitting but improves with walking or moving around
Treatments And Procedures
While non-invasive surgical options are the first line of defense, if patients do not respond to medications and therapies, they may need surgery, especially with severe symptoms. In some cases, a patient may need an artificial disc replacement surgery, or cervical arthroplasty. There are other procedures to manage degenerative discs such as spinal fusion and stabilization surgery, which fuses two vertebrae together to provide better stability for the spine. There is also decompression surgery, which removes part of a joint to alleviate pressure on the nerves.
Without full assessment, it is impossible to understand which treatment and/or procedure is the best option for the patient.
Post-surgery & Recovery
Pain medication may be prescribed to manage pain and discomfort post-op. After just a few hours, most patients are able to return home, however depending on the type of procedure patients may need several weeks to resume regular activity. Typically, the less invasive the surgery, the less recovery time is needed.
Why Bonex?
At Bonex Klinik, innovative treatment plans are designed specific to cervical spine and neck treatment that addresses the source of neck pain. Whether you are a young athlete or a senior retiree determined to reclaim your mobility, Bonex Klinik will assist you to meet your goals. Our compassionate team of expert spinal orthopedics is able to successfully explore which options of treatment are best for you after a thorough assessment. Bonex Klinik is earnestly committed to successfully improving your quality of life by increasing your functional mobility.
