If you are suffering deterioration of the spine, there is a chance that you may have a condition known as degenerative disc disease. Over time, the discs that separate the bones that comprise the spine can wear down in ways that cause them to lose fluid, collapse, or rupture. The result is excruciating back pain. Here are some indications that you may have this issue.
Degenerative Disc Disease Symptoms
The kinds of symptoms experienced by people with degenerative disc disease can vary a great deal. For example, there are some people who suffer from severe back discomfort, while others may only notice a slight amount of pain. Twisting, bending over, reaching out, or reaching up usually exacerbates the problem. If you notice any of the following, talk to your orthopedic doctor to determine the right course of treatment:
- Pain usually occurs when performing a specific activity. This pain may flare up occasionally and then return in a milder form, or it may go away completely.
- You suffer neck or back pain on a regular basis that may last only a few days or up to a few months.
- Your pain worsens when sitting, which could be an indication of lumbar degenerative disc pain.
- You typically feel better after you run or walk than when you stand or sit for an extended period of time.
- Lying in a reclining position usually brings more relief than when you sit for a long time.
Treatment Options for Degenerative Disc Disease
Unfortunately, there is no cure for degenerative disc disease. However, there are several different types of treatment that can bring substantial relief. Some of these options are non-surgical, while others may require a surgical procedure to be performed. At Advanced Spine & Orthopedics, we will always try non-surgical approaches first. But there are instances where surgery will be needed – especially if the condition has resulted in severe pain or spine instability.
Please contact a Southlake orthopedic surgeon with Advanced Spine & Orthopedics to learn more about treatments for degenerative disc disease. Give us a call at 817-310-8783 or contact us online if you would like to schedule an examination.
