Degenerative disc disease (DDD) of the lumbar spine is a relatively common condition in aging adults. Our intervertebral discs serve as shock absorbers for the spine, and as we age they gradually dry out, losing strength and resiliency. These changes are gradual in most people. In fact, many of our patients don’t know they have degenerative disc disease. They only become aware of the condition when being examined for another health problem. Our specialists in lumbar degenerative disc disease help New Jersey residents with their spines.
Disc degeneration in itself is not usually a problem; it is a normal aging process. However, Lumbar degenerative disc disease can cause the discs to lose height, resulting in nerve pathways narrowing and causing nerve impingement, inflammation, and pain. In severe cases, this neurogenic pain may be constant. DDD may also cause mechanical pain, which results from the degeneration of the disc (the “shock absorber”) leading to bones in the spine pressing against each other.
The physicians here at our practice care about your health. To make an accurate diagnosis, our back pain specialists in New Jersey will use a combination of tools and sophisticated technology:
For acute or sudden low back pain, we can prescribe pain relief medications such as acetaminophen, anti-inflammatory agents, and muscle relaxants. Temporary bed rest may also be suggested. However, patients are encouraged by our New Jersey back pain specialists to get up and gradually resume their activities.
We strongly believe in continuing your treatment even after you leave our facility. That is why we prescribe physical therapy for patients who can benefit from it. For lumbar degenerative disc disease in New Jersey, we prescribe stretching exercises that can improve flexibility. Extension exercises help maintain the spine’s natural curve. Hot/cold therapy and gentle massage can also be beneficial for low back pain.
After acute symptoms subside (usually within two to three weeks), patients are encouraged to begin a daily exercise regimen. This may include low impact aerobics three times per week as well as daily back exercises.
If symptoms of lumbar degenerative disc disease persist despite these non-operative treatments, further diagnostic tests may be necessary. These tests may include an MRI, CT Scan, Myelogram, and possibly Discography. If the surgeon discovers that one or more of the vertebral discs are damaged and are causing pain or other symptoms (e.g. weakness in muscles), surgery may be necessary. The surgical procedure is likely to include a discectomy (removal of the degenerated disc) and interbody fusion (fusing together of the vertebrae above and below the removed disc).
For these type of surgeries, surgeons often use the latest minimally invasive surgical techniques, which result in rapid patient recovery. Of course, if surgery is necessary, your surgeon will clearly explain the procedure to you prior to your surgery.
While our specialists in New Jersey realize lumbar degenerative disc disease is a natural part of aging, it does not mean you have to live with low back pain. We can help you return to a healthy, pain-free and active life. For most patients this can be accomplished with non-surgical treatments. But even if surgery is needed, be assured that we will discuss with you all risks and benefits of the procedure and provide you with the best care possible.
In addition to these treatments, the medical professionals at our practice have a deep commitment to patient education. By helping patients understand the causes of their conditions we can also help them to eliminate risk factors and to build “spine healthy habits” into their lives. While you are under the care of our New Jersey back pain specialists, we will provide you with excellent information to help you recover, minimize risk factors and to stay healthy.