Personalized Degenerative Disc Disease Care
What Is Degenerative Disc Disease?
Degenerative disc disease describes the natural wear and breakdown of the discs that cushion the spine over time. Despite the somewhat misleading name, it's a normal process rather than a true disease, though it can sometimes cause pain or lead to related conditions like spondylolisthesis or a herniated or bulging disc. It can occur anywhere along the spine, including degenerative disc disease in the neck, and symptoms vary widely from person to person.
At HighRise Orthopedic and Spine Care, Dr. John Shiau and Dr. John Morrison assess how much a disc has degenerated and whether it's contributing to your symptoms before recommending treatment.
If ongoing back or neck pain is affecting your daily life, request a consultation with HighRise Orthopedic and Spine Care today.
Understanding and Treating Degenerative Disc Disease
From Diagnosis to Surgical Treatment
Symptoms of Degenerative Disc Disease
Degenerative disc disease symptoms vary depending on location and severity, and can include:
- Ongoing low back or neck pain
- Pain that worsens with sitting, bending, or twisting
- Periods of more intense pain followed by milder stretches
- Numbness or weakness if a nearby nerve becomes involved
Non-Surgical Treatment for Degenerative Disc Disease
Most people with degenerative disc disease manage their symptoms without surgery, including:
- Physical therapy to support the spine and improve flexibility
- Anti-inflammatory medication
- Targeted injections for more persistent pain
- Activity modification to reduce strain on the affected disc
Surgical Treatment Options
When degenerative disc disease in the neck causes ongoing nerve symptoms that don't improve with conservative care, anterior cervical disc replacement can remove the damaged disc and replace it with an artificial one that preserves natural neck movement. Dr. Shiau and Dr. Morrison will discuss whether this approach fits your specific diagnosis.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is degenerative disc disease actually a disease?
Despite its name, degenerative disc disease isn't a disease in the traditional sense. It's a natural, age-related change that happens to some degree in nearly everyone's spine over time. Not everyone with disc degeneration experiences pain, and the term simply describes the wear pattern seen on imaging rather than a specific illness.
Can degenerative disc disease be prevented?
While some degree of disc wear is a normal part of aging and can't be fully prevented, certain habits may help slow the process or reduce strain on the spine, such as maintaining good posture, staying active, and avoiding excess weight on the spine. A degenerative disc disease specialist can also help address risk factors specific to your lifestyle and spine health.
Why should I choose HighRise Orthopedic and Spine Care for degenerative disc disease treatment near me?
Finding the right degenerative disc disease doctor near you means finding a team that treats the underlying wear, not just the symptoms. Dr. Shiau and Dr. Morrison bring extensive spine experience to every case, from conservative management to surgical treatment when it's truly needed.
Serving patients across New York and New Jersey, our team is ready to help you find lasting relief from degenerative disc disease.