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
What Our Patients Are Saying
Excellent care and attention to patients. I recently had a total hip replacement and I am able to walk 6 weeks after surgery with no cane.
Everyone here is so professional and kind. Everything was explained to me so that could understand what had to be done.
Very Knowledgeable and helpful. Went in for an appt. with Dr. Elbaz for tennis elbow. Needed prp injections and they didn’t have an opening til the following week, but since I traveled 2 hrs to their office
I have found the staff to be courteous and professional. Lynn and Julie were wonderful to work with and took good care of me. And Dr. Brooks and Dr. Mack are excellent
I was treated by Dr. Brooks, about a month ago, for a terrible pain on my right knee. He treated me and within 2 days I was like new. Now the pain started on my left knee. This time I went immediately to Dr. Brooks.
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.
This office did everything they could to get me in timely after a very bad sprain on my ankle. I saw nurse practitioner Stuart who is very thorough and x-rays and explaining everything to me.
Dr. Patel is one of the best Doctors I have ever had. She is pretty good at her job. She makes it plain and simple. She is also very thoughtful. I was very glad to have met her.
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 would highly recommend Dr. Cubbage if you are having any type of spinal issues. I have seen Dr. Cubbage several times over the last 3 years for lumbar pain and numbness in my left leg.