Back pain stops you in your tracks. If the discomfort is ongoing, degenerative disc disease may be the reason. This guide walks you through the condition.
Early signs and treatment options differ from person to person, whether it comes on gradually or appears after a car accident or work-related injury. Learn more from our spine specialist in New Jersey, Grigory Goldberg, MD.
What Is Degenerative Disc Disease?
The rubbery cushions between the vertebrae allow you to bend, twist, and move comfortably as needed. Degenerative disc disease results when these cushions deteriorate and can be either the result of an acute trauma or a natural part of the aging process. The condition most commonly affects the lower back and neck.
Each spinal disc has a tough outer layer (the annulus fibrosus) and a soft, gel-like core (the nucleus pulposus). Torn or dried-out discs irritate nearby nerves, which can be painful. Since these discs have a limited blood supply, repairing them is challenging or even impossible without medical intervention.
Symptoms To Watch Out For
According to the Cleveland Clinic, approximately 90% of lumbar degenerative disc disease cases appear in the lumbar spine’s lower region. After age 40, many people show at least some signs of it, even if they feel no pain. When there are symptoms, they vary widely.
Common early warning signs of degenerative disc disease may include:
- Persistent or recurring neck or lower back pain
- Pain that worsens when sitting, bending, or twisting
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms or legs
- Stiffness or soreness in the lumbar area
Recognizing the early symptoms of degenerative disc disease can help you seek care before the condition worsens. Cedars-Sinai notes that an injured disc degenerates over 20 to 30 years. Patients may feel better while walking or changing positions often, but worse after being still for long stretches.
Your Treatment Options for Degenerative Disc Disease Pain
Spine specialists note that nonsurgical treatments for degenerative disc disease can be highly effective when combined with healthy lifestyle habits. At home, low-impact physical activity may strengthen the muscles that support your spine while keeping the joints flexible. Hot and cold therapy can reduce soreness while maintaining good posture, especially while seated, helps ease stress on the lower back.
Knowing how to manage degenerative disc disease naturally can be helpful. However, when severe pain does not respond to other approaches, common nonsurgical treatments include physical therapy that involves guided stretching and strengthening exercises, plus anti-inflammatory medications to reduce pain and swelling. Epidural steroid injections or nerve block injections deliver medication directly to the source of the pain, and spinal cord stimulators also offer long-term relief by interfering with pain signals before they reach the brain.
Surgical procedures may include removing displaced disc material, connecting vertebrae for stability, and artificial disc replacement.
When To See a Spine Specialist in New Jersey
You should see someone if your neck or back pain lasts more than a few weeks, worsens over time, or starts to affect your ability to work or carry out daily activities. Radiating pain, numbness, or weakness in your arms or legs are especially important warning signs that a specialist should evaluate promptly.
Need a Spine Surgeon in New Jersey for Degenerative Disc Disease? Contact Grigory Goldberg, MD
Catching degenerative disc disease early is helpful. If you’re dealing with back pain from degenerative disc disease, you need a full range of nonsurgical and surgical spine treatments tailored to your needs.
Grigory Goldberg, MD, serves New Jersey and the surrounding areas. Reach our Clifton office at (844) 373-2772 or our Toms River office at (732) 908-8585.
Our doctors accept most insurance plans, including workers’ compensation, no-fault, and PIP (personal injury protection). Same-day appointments may be available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to common questions about degenerative disc disease.
What Are the First Signs of Degenerative Disc Disease?
The first signs of degenerative disc disease might include recurring neck or lower back pain, stiffness, and discomfort when bending or twisting. Pain may radiate into the arms, buttocks, or legs, or you may notice tingling and numbness in your extremities.
How Do I Know if My Back Pain Is From Degenerative Disc Disease?
Typical back pain from degenerative disc disease worsens when sitting, bending, lifting, or twisting. It may improve with movement or lying down. A spine specialist should confirm the diagnosis through a physical examination and imaging tests like an MRI or X-ray.
Does Degenerative Disc Disease Get Worse Over Time?
Yes, degenerative disc disease can progress over time. Lifestyle changes, early treatment, and regular exercise may slow the progression.
