What Is Degenerative Disc Disease? Comprehensive Answers from Advanced Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine of Houston, TX
Degenerative disc disease is a common spinal condition. The spine is composed of 33 vertebrae (small, strong bones) that are separated by soft, flexible discs. Because the discs absorb the shock sustained by the spine during a wide range of activities, they tend to wear down over time. As the discs become less resilient, they can become more prone to damage. For instance, a disc’s outer shell can dry out and crack. Its soft inner material can then leak out into the spinal canal, where it can push against the spinal cord or a nearby nerve root.
Degenerative disc disease symptoms
Degenerative changes in the spine are not always painful. In some cases, the process can go undetected. However, compression of the spinal cord and spinal nerves tends to be more problematic. The most common symptoms of spinal nerve compression include:
- Localized neck or back pain
- Pain in the arms or legs
- Muscle weakness
- Tingling or numbness
How do you treat degenerative disc disease?
Minor disc degeneration may not require immediate treatment. If nerve compression develops, however, there may be several options to help relieve the resulting symptoms. Anti-inflammatory medications, pain relievers, spinal injections, physical therapy, and chiropractic adjustments all have the potential to help. In more severe cases, surgery can also become an option. A surgeon can remove some of the degenerated disc material from the spinal canal, potentially providing relief in the event that conservative therapies do not.
At Advanced Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine of Houston, we offer a full spectrum of degenerative disc disease treatments. Patients can consult with our neck and back pain specialists to discuss the options for their unique needs. Offering comprehensive, customized treatment plans, we are able to help our patients find the relief they need to get back to their active lives.
To schedule an appointment with one of our degenerative disc disease specialists, contact Advanced Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine of Houston, Texas, today. We have several full-service locations throughout the area and invite you to visit whichever location is most convenient for you.
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1Professional Building II At North Cypress Medical Center
AOSM Physical Therapy
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2North Cypress Professional Building At Lakewood Crossing
AOSM Physical Therapy -
3North Cypress Professional Building At Towne Lake
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4Advanced Orthopaedics Memorial
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5Woodlands Location
What Our Patients Are Saying
Dr. Mack and his staff has been a blessing to me and my family. His patience and listening ear has greatly enhanced my quality of care and confidence in his abilities as a surgeon. I undoubtedly recommend him to anyone who is in pain and considering surgery as an option. I am sure your questions will be answered and your…
Dr. Mihu has been my doctor for 6 years. She is the best doctor I have ever had for so many reasons. I am an extremely complicated case and she never stops trying to help me. She is compassionate, caring and understanding. She never makes you feel rushed and will do everything in her power to give you your life…
Dr. Vial is the best doctor I have seen in a long time. It was so easy to make an appointment with him and he took me back on time. They did the necessary x-ray right there in the office. Dr. Vial was so kind, caring, and friendly. He quickly diagnosed me and put me at ease about my injury!…
Dr. Mohr is absolutely what I’ve needed to finally fix my spinal condition. I had a wonderful experience throughout my surgery and post-op. Top notch, professionalism educating my wife and I about my diagnosis and repair with superb bedside manners. The entire staff are all simply awesome! Dr. Mohr and his staff are a Godsend.
Dr. Mills is the best doctors I’ve had the pleasure to meet. I had an accident where I sliced open my hand cutting tendons, nerves and who knows what else. I was convinced that I was losing the use of 2 of my fingers. Dr. Mills took my case and had a good conversation with my wife and I addressing…
I have been going to Dr. Fehsenfeld for almost 10 years now and he has been nothing but amazing. He always gives his patients the time they need and sits down and talks with them about their injury and different recovery options. He has done both of my knee surgeries and I have had no issues with them and quick…
Dr. Patel was amazing. When I first went to her office I couldn’t even sit down because my back was hurting so bad. After my injections and physical therapy, I feel much better! I was starting to think I will never be back to normal and go back to my career as a welder, but you can and I did…
I flew in for my appointment in the middle of Covid. He was recommended as a top ortho by my employer’s medical concierge team. He is incredible… surgery a breeze on my knee… zero pain the next day. His team and office staff are top notch – on par with Mayo Clinic. We are fortunate to have doctors like him…
Dr. Mills was very pleasant, he spoke plainly to me, let me know my treatment options and what he recommended for me but he ultimately left the choice up to me without pushing any of them onto me, nor did he rush my decision. I am very impressed with the response time of everyone who helped me during my visit,…
Dr. Tanous is the ultimate professional. He was well read, personable, and has provided excellent treatment. He was highly recommended to me and I highly recommend him for orthopedic care and treatment.