Degenerative Disc Disease Treatment in Sacramento CA
Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) is a common condition that affects the spine, which can cause pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. It is a common cause of low back pain and of neck pain. With DDD, back pain is often increased with bending forward, prolonged sitting and standing, and relieved with a reclining position or lying flat. The cause of the pain is stress/pressure on areas of the spine which have lost their original structure.
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The discs of the spine at as cushions or shock absorbers of the stress and weight of the body. In the outermost area of the disc there is a strong and rigid ring called the annulus fibrosus or "annulus" that surrounds and holds in a gel center called the nucleus pulposus. A disruption of the annulus can allow the inner gel to push out when pressure is placed on the spine. This pushing of the gel of the nucleus through the annulus is called a herniated disc.
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The disc can also lose it some of its original gel through wear and tear and over time. This will lead to decreased disc height (and can make a person shorter!) and put added pressure on the annulus, causing pain.
Another type of disc degeneration is an annular tear. This is when there is a area of the outer ring of the disc that is torn. This can lead to pain as the annulus has a fairly high concentration of nerves fibers which can become irritated by. the tear. Additionally the inflammation of the torn disc can cause irritation of the nerves, leading to sciatica. Annular tears are most common in the low back/lumbar spine.
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Risk Factors
Several factors can contribute to degeneration of the discs, including:
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Aging: As we age, the discs in our spine lose water content and elasticity--the gel is reduced--making them more prone to degeneration and damage.
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Genetics: Some individuals may inherit a predisposition to degenerative disc disease, making them more susceptible to disc degeneration at an earlier age.
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Trauma: Injuries or trauma to the spine, such as from car accidents or falls, can accelerate disc degeneration and increase the risk of developing degenerative disc disease.
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Repetitive Stress: Activities or occupations that involve repetitive movements or heavy lifting can place excessive stress on the spine, leading to premature wear and tear of the discs.​
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Smoking: Smoking has been linked to accelerated disc degeneration due to its negative effects on blood flow and nutrient delivery to the spinal discs.
Symptoms
The symptoms of degenerative disc disease can vary depending on the location and severity of the degeneration. Common symptoms include:
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Back Pain: Chronic or intermittent pain in the lower back or neck is a hallmark symptom of degenerative disc disease. The pain may worsen with certain movements or activities.
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Radiating Pain: Pain may radiate into the buttocks, thighs, or arms if the degenerated disc presses on nearby nerves, causing sciatica or cervical radiculopathy.
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Stiffness: Stiffness and reduced flexibility in the spine may occur, making it difficult to bend or twist comfortably.
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Numbness or Tingling: Patients may experience numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs or arms if nerve compression occurs due to disc degeneration.
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Pain Relief with Rest: Symptoms may temporarily improve with rest or changes in position, such as lying down or reclining.
Treatment
While degenerative disc disease cannot be reversed, several treatment options are available to manage symptoms and improve function:
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Conservative Treatments: Initially, conservative treatments such as rest, physical therapy, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be recommended to alleviate pain and improve mobility.
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Minimally Invasive Procedures: For patients who do not respond to conservative treatments, minimally invasive procedures such as epidural injections, facet joint injections, or radiofrequency ablation may be recommended to target specific sources of pain and inflammation. Failing those treatments patient may be a candidate for Spinal Cord Stimulation.
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Surgical Options: In severe cases of degenerative disc disease where conservative treatments have failed, surgical interventions such as discectomy, laminectomy, or spinal fusion may be considered to alleviate pressure on the nerves and stabilize the spine.