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, as well as our physical therapists and our in-house chiropractor, 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
Completing forms online beforehand was quick and simple. I arrived 30 minutes prior to my appointment as requested, and was pleasantly surprised to be summonsed less than 10 minutes from arrival.

I’ve been going to this office to see Dr. Blalock 4 months. He has done 4 different hand surgeries some in February and 1 in April. I probably will need another surgery next year and Dr. Blalock will be my surgeon.

Dr. Patel has been a great Doctor for me. When I was referred to after discussion we decided to do injections in my back.

We’ve seen several of these drs. Different family members with different issues. They have been exceptional in both the operating procedures and the follow ups.

I just recovered from my 2nd back surgery by Dr. Mohr. I love the people there so much I just went back and saw a shoulder surgeon Dr. Fehsenfeld for cortisone shots.

Dr. Mills is exceptional. I would recommend him to anyone

Each procedure done by Dr. Patel has been an improvement. Very pleased.

Dr. Tanous and everyone at Advanced Orthopaedics are great. The surgery to repair my knee injury and the treatment afterwards were handled amazingly well.

When I started, I couldn’t put any weight on my right leg and now I can do virtually anything. While I hope to not need future therapy, this is without a doubt the place I will return to in the future.

They are very professional and attentive. I was having shoulder pain. The wait was short and staff very kind.
