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Degenerative Disc Disease

Degenerative disc disease is a common condition that causes the spinal disc to wear down gradually, leading to less spinal shock absorption. In some cases, this condition can lead to severe pain that can affect your ability to complete daily tasks. SpineCare of NY is here to help you through every step of your degenerative disc disease care journey.

What Is Degenerative Disc Disease?

Degenerative disc disease is a disease that causes the cushioning in your spine to wear away. This cushiony material is called a spinal disc, and it works to absorb shock when you move, twist, jump, or bend. Naturally, your spinal disc will begin to wear away as you age. Degenerative disc disease is not actually a disease but a condition that develops gradually over time. Almost all adults over the age of 40 will begin to experience some level of spinal disc degeneration.

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What Causes Degenerative Disc Disease?

Degenerative disc disease will occur naturally and gradually as we age. With that being said, not everyone who experiences degenerative disc disease will also experience symptoms like pain in the neck and back. The main cause of degenerative disc disease is aging, but other causes can include the repetition of daily activities and sports injuries. Painful degenerative disc disease may be caused by dry out, when the core of the spinal discs naturally loses water and becomes thinner, leading to less shock absorption. Other causes can be tears or cracks in the spinal discs located close to the spinal nerves.

What Our Patients Are Saying

We are dedicated to delivering expert and compassionate care at SpineCare of NY. Check out our reviews to hear the stories of our incredible patients.  

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Had an excellent experience with HSS Spine Department. Dr. Sama was outstanding. He took time and explained everything to me and my wife. Loved his bedside manner and professionalism. So happy I came from New Jersey to see him. His staff was also outstanding to deal with.

Thomas M.
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You can’t find a better surgical facility than the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) in NYC. It is state of the art for medical procedures combined with top notch doctors employing cutting edge technologies. Dr. Frank Cammisa is the best spinal surgeon in the country and a terrific and compassionate physician who takes the time to meet with you and analyze and discuss your particular situation. I can’t say enough about HSS and Dr. Cammisa and his staff.

Rudy M.
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Great experience. Doctor Hughes is an extraordinary doctor. After my surgery, I am a new person. All staff are excellent and caring. Nurses are the best, they treated me like a queen. I am truly grateful!

Doris O.
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Symptoms of Degenerative Disc Disease

Many individuals diagnosed with degenerative disc disease will not experience any symptoms or will experience pain that comes and goes, lasting for weeks or months at a time and in between. Additional symptoms can include:

  • Radiating pain
  • Tingling or numbness in arms or legs
  • Worsened pain when sitting, bending, or lifting
  • Weakness in arms or legs
  • Difficulty walking

How is Degenerative Disc Disease Diagnosed?

When diagnosing your degenerative disc disease, your physician will usually start by asking you about your symptoms, including pain, duration of pain, what activities cause pain, other symptoms, and if you have had any recent injuries. In addition to a physical exam, imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs may be used to diagnose your degenerative disc disease.

How is Degenerative Disc Disease Treated?

To treat your degenerative disc disease, SpineCare of NY will start with a minimally invasive approach, which can include physical therapy, medications, and injections. In the event of severe degenerative disc disease, surgery may be the best option for experiencing relief. Procedures like total disc replacements, fusions, or decompressive surgeries can help restore spine function and alleviate symptoms.

Schedule a Consultation

At SpineCare of NY, we are committed to restoring our patients’ spinal function and quality of life. We engage in continuing research to ensure we are using the most up-to-date techniques in an attempt to get it right the first time. If you are suffering from, or believe you are suffering from, degenerative disc disease, schedule a consultation with the experts at SpineCare of NY today.  

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Degenerative Disc Disease?

Intervertebral discs are a cushiony layer in between the bones of the spine that allow for shock absorption. As people age, discs in the spine can dry out and lose fluid, making them less flexible and compressed. Degenerative disc disease is often caused by gradual wear and tear, but sports injuries, frequent manual labor, and being overweight can also contribute to its development.

When does Degenerative Disc Disease start?

Most people with degenerative disc disease will have noticeable symptoms by the age of 60 but about 30% of people will start to notice signs by the age of 35.

Why does Degenerative Disc Disease cause pain?

The discs in the spine are made from an exterior of fibrous tissues and an inner gelatinous core containing fluid and proteins. Deterioration can cause the vertebrae to rub together, which affects how well the spine moves and causes joint stiffness and lower back pain. As deterioration of the discs progresses, tears in the discs can occur, causing fluid to leak out or the disc to herniate. This can lead to irritation or compression of the nearby nerves and cause leg pain.

Will Degenerative Disc Disease get better?

Degenerative disc disease cannot be cured but it will sometimes improve on its own. Physical therapy, pain medications, and non-surgical or surgical treatments may be needed to ease symptoms as the disease progresses. Although there is no cure for degenerative disc disease, there are many treatment options that can relieve painful symptoms and maintain mobility. Medications and non-surgical treatments are often the first steps, but surgery may be needed in severe cases.

Who treats Degenerative Disc Disease?

Degenerative disc disease is typically treated by a spinal surgeon for surgical management and a physiatrist, pain management specialist, or orthopedist for non-surgical management.

How does Degenerative Disc Disease progress?

Degenerative disc disease progresses naturally with age. Over time, the discs can continue to dry out and degenerate, causing increased pain.

How is Degenerative Disc Disease diagnosed?

You can typically see degenerative disc disease on an x-ray, but more advanced imaging such as an MRI or CAT scan may be needed to make the final diagnosis. At your initial consultation, we will go over your medical history and perform a physical exam in order to assess your symptoms.

What can you do to relieve Degenerative Disc Disease pain?

Anti-inflammatory medications, analgesic medications, heating pads, ice packs, staying hydrated, avoiding smoking, weight loss, medical massages or chiropractic care can relieve pain and stiffness caused by degenerative disc disease.

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SpineCare of NY is located at 523 East 72nd Street, 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10021.

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