Our spine, a structure composed of interlinked bones, relies on spongy, gel-like substances as cushions. These cushions, known as spinal discs, absorb shock and facilitate the spine’s flexibility. As we age, these discs undergo natural changes, leading to a condition called degenerative disc disease. If you are currently experiencing this, it may feel like there is no solution or way out of your discomfort. We are here to let you know that there are treatment options available at Dallas Pain Institute and we would love to walk you through every step of the way.
What is Degenerative Disc Disease?
Degenerative disc disease is not a disease in the traditional sense like most would think. It is a condition associated with the aging process. With all of the wear and tear of the spinal discs over time, they can lose their ability to act as effective shock absorbers. This results in a less flexible spine that struggles with bending, twisting, and stretching. Does this sound familiar? It is also attributed to a decrease in fluid in the spinal discs, causing the discs to become thinner and less flexible. This can lead to cracks and minor tears in the disc’s exterior layer, causing bulging or rupture of the disc.
Causes and Risk Factors
Several factors contribute to the development of degenerative disc disease:
- Aging (natural)
- Lifestyle choices
- Smoking
- Heavy lifting
- Obesity
Things to Look Out For
The most common symptom of degenerative disc disease is discomfort in the back or neck. The severity of the pain varies among individuals and may worsen during specific movements. Some people may also experience numbness or tingling in their arms or legs.
Affected Areas
Degenerative disc disease typically impacts the lumbar region (lower back) and the cervical region (neck), causing localized pain. It often coexists with other conditions such as osteoarthritis, herniated disc, or spinal stenosis.
Greenville TX Back Pain Treatment
We are happy to say there are various treatments available to manage the pain associated with degenerative disc disease at the Dallas Pain Institute (with locations in Greenville, Sherman, Rowlett & Forney, TX). One of the treatments we offer is a Via Disc Procedure. If you are experiencing the following symptoms you could be a candidate for the Via Disc procedure:
- Chronic lower or upper back pain
- Radiating pain, numbness, or weakness in the limbs
- Reduced spine flexibility
- Pain exacerbated by prolonged sitting or standing
The Via Disc Procedure
This minimally invasive treatment focuses on:
- Targeting Damaged Disc– With the guidance of real-time imaging, our specialists accurately target the affected intervertebral disc.
- Repair and Relief– The Via Disc procedure involves the introduction of specialized tools and therapeutic agents to the disc. This can provide relief from pain and even aid in the repair of damaged tissue.
- Short Recovery Time– Due to its minimally invasive nature, the procedure often leads to quicker recovery times compared to traditional spinal surgeries.
You can view more of our pain treatment options here.
Back Pain Greenville TX
Get control of your life by removing the phrase “my back hurts” from your daily vocabulary. By recognizing the causes, symptoms, and available treatments, you can take proactive steps toward managing and alleviating the impact of degenerative disc disease. Schedule your consultation today at one of our pain management locations in Greenville, Sherman, Rowlett or Forney, TX.