- Locations in Clifton, Barnegat, Freehold, Holmdel, Monroe, Ocean NJ
Degenerative spine disease is a common reason why many Americans experience back pain on a daily basis. This issue stems from the degeneration and wear of spinal discs over time as people age. As these discs wear, people experience severe pain and mobility difficulties.
Dr. Grigory Goldberg, MD, is New Jersey’s experienced spine surgeon and offers treatment in six convenient New Jersey locations. Read on to learn about degenerative spine disease, its symptoms, causes, and more, then contact one of our offices to pursue treatment options.
Adults in the third stage of their life or further may experience degenerative spine disease (also known as degenerative disc disease or DDD). According to the National Library of Medicine, 266 million people across the world suffer from degenerative spine disease each year. Bones in the spine can lose their cushioning from wear and press together, causing major back and neck pain as the most common symptoms.
A medical professional may diagnose the disease after magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and a thorough examination of the back, neck, and body. Dr. Grigory Goldberg, MD, will get to the root cause of your back pain and determine if DDD is causing it.
This disease mostly affects the lumbar and cervical spine, but it can reach other areas. If severe enough, the pain may travel down the body. Seeking treatment for this problem is critical to leading a healthy life with less pain and general discomfort.
As people age, their discs wear down, leading to degenerative disc disease. According to Columbia University, 30% of 35-year-olds and 90% of people 60 and older will show some evidence of a degenerated disc. People can also develop this problem after experiencing an injury, such as straining too much at work or playing a sport.
People who have family members with back problems are at a greater risk for this issue. According to the Mayo Clinic, women are more likely than men to develop degenerative disc disease. Individuals who smoke, are obese, lead a sedentary lifestyle, or have a job with extreme physical labor are more likely to receive a degenerative spine disease diagnosis.
Spinal discs lose fluid and sponginess over the years and create painful conditions for anyone with the disease. They could break, crack, or tear, requiring immediate medical invention and professional care.
Some patients may experience this condition throughout their back. The location of the disease varies from person to person. The three main types of degenerative disc disease include the following:
Symptoms of this disease can vary because it may affect different parts of the spine. Some of the most common symptoms of degenerative disc disease in the lumbar spine (the most common type) include the following:
Patients with DDD can make their symptoms even worse by strenuous bending, lifting, or twisting.
ScienceDirect researchers found in one study that age and obesity were common factors for those with degenerative disc disease. About 77% of women and 71% of men showed evidence of DDD. See if you have it by contacting Grigory Goldberg, MD, in New Jersey.
If you’re struggling with degenerative spine disease or suspect you have it, it’s a good idea to seek support from a medical professional. Dr. Grigory Goldberg, MD, an award-winning spine specialist and surgeon, can diagnose and treat back pain using years of medical experience. He will suggest the appropriate course of treatment for your situation, offering safe, minimally invasive options wherever possible.
According to the National Health Service, medical professionals may use lumbar decompression surgery to treat compressed nerves in the lower spine. They might remove damaged disc portions. However, many doctors favor non-surgical treatments before suggesting this option.
Some treatment options we offer at our practice include:
Medical facilities may offer discectomy, laminectomy, spinal fusion, and more. At our practice, we aim to alleviate the pain of our patients and help them lead a more healthy, independent life. We make every effort to minimize or eliminate pain and decrease levels of daily discomfort.
If you’re ready to explore treatment for degenerative spine disease, contact our offices today. After meeting with Dr. Goldeberg, he can determine the cause of your back and neck pain and recommend whether or not endoscopic spine surgery or another treatment option is right for you.
Our doctors accept most insurance plans, including workers’ compensation, no-fault, and PIP (personal injury protection). Same-day appointments may be available. We have locations in Barnegat, Clifton, Freehold, Holmdel, Monroe, and Ocean, New Jersey, so contact us today!
You should not participate in high-intensity exercises or lead an extremely sedentary lifestyle with degenerative spine disease. Light movement and exercise and leading a healthy lifestyle are best for people with this disease.
Degenerative disc disease is increasingly common as you age, affecting almost all individuals 60 and up.
Lumbar degenerative disc disease is the most common type of degenerative spine disease.
Whiplash can appear on X-rays. However, X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs are more helpful in ruling out other conditions than diagnosing whiplash.
