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Degenerative Disc Disease

NovaSpine Pain Institute Our Services Degenerative Disc Disease
NovaSpine Pain Institute - - Pain Management

NovaSpine Pain Institute

Pain Management in Sun City, Sun City West, Glendale and Gilbert, Arizona

If you have pain in your lower back or your neck that interferes with walking, lifting, or performing other activities, you could have degenerative disc disease. This condition becomes more common with age and affects most seniors to some degree. With offices in Sun City West, Sun City, Gilbert, and Glendale, Arizona, NovaSpine Pain Institute offers expert diagnosis and personalized care of degenerative disc disease. To schedule an evaluation with a skilled specialist, call the office nearest you today or use the online contact form.

Degenerative Disc Disease Q & A

What is degenerative disc disease?

Degenerative disc disease occurs when one or more of the discs between your vertebrae become worn down and damaged. 

Although this condition is not technically a disease, it occurs with age due to normal wear and tears on your spine. As the disc deteriorates, it no longer cushions or stabilizes the vertebrae, leading to pain and loss of mobility that can make daily activities challenging.

Am I at risk of developing degenerative disc disease?

The primary risk factor for degenerative disc disease is age. If you’re over 60, you likely have some degree of deterioration in at least one of your discs. Additional risk factors include:

  • A past spinal injury
  • Genetics
  • Obesity
  • Smoking

Jobs that require heavy lifting increase your risk of a disc injury, which can contribute to 

degenerative disc disease.

What are the symptoms of degenerative disc disease?

Degenerative disc disease primarily affects discs in the lower back and neck, causing pain that ranges from mild to severe. 

In some cases, symptoms aren’t present at all. In other cases, degenerative disc disease can cause excruciating pain that can prevent you from performing regular activities.

Your pain can travel to your arm, buttocks, hip, or leg. It can worsen when bending, twisting, or sitting and improve after walking or exercise. You might also notice numbness or muscle weakness. 

How is degenerative disc disease diagnosed?

The specialists at NovaSpine Pain Institute use the most advanced diagnostic techniques and equipment to determine the cause of your back pain. 

During your evaluation, your doctor carefully reviews your medical history and symptoms. They also do a physical exam, and they could recommend additional tests like an MRI or diagnostic injections.

How is degenerative disc disease treated?

Based on the site and severity of your condition, your expert at NovaSpine Pain Institute designs a personalized treatment plan to relieve the symptoms of degenerative disc disease.

Your personal treatment plan can include:

  • Anti-inflammatory medication
  • Physical therapy
  • Epidural steroid injections
  • Facet joint injections
  • Regenerative therapies
  • Radiofrequency ablation (RFA)

Your expert performs these minimally invasive pain management treatments right in the office at NovaSpine Pain Institute.

Don’t let crippling back pain interfere with the quality of your life. If you suspect you have degenerative disc disease, schedule an evaluation at NovaSpine Pain Institute by calling the nearest office today or using the online contact form.