What is degenerative disc disease?

Degenerative disc disease is a condition related to aging or injuries in which the spinal discs exhibit signs of wear and tear. Eventually spinal discs can dry out and wear thin or wear aware entirely, causing bone to rub against bone. Unfortunately, the longer this condition persists, the more damage that may occur, like fractured vertebrae.

What causes degenerative disc disease?

Spinal discs are like cushions between each vertebra in the neck and back. Unfortunately, unlike other soft tissue throughout the body, spinal discs cannot repair themselves or regenerate. Naturally, as we age, the body slows production of certain hormones that keep joints and spinal discs lubricated, resulting in the soft tissue between joints (like spinal discs or cartilage) to wear thin, tear, or otherwise become damaged. Most adults over 60 have some form of spinal disc degeneration, although not all cases present pain or discomfort. Certain activities such as sports or repetitive jobs can cause degenerative disc disease or worsen the condition.

Symptoms of Degenerative Disc Disease

Degenerative disc disease can start as early as the 30s or 40s, although most active adults of this age typically do not experience symptoms or may only experience mild symptoms. However, as you age and the condition worsens, symptoms become more evident and painful.

Symptoms of degenerative disc disease include:

• Neck or back pain when sitting
• Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms, legs, hands or feet
• Pain that worsens with movement such as bending, lifting, or twisting
• Pain that eases while walking, standing, or changing positions while sitting or lying down
• Intermittent pain that comes and goes (can last for days, weeks or months, with periods of no pain)

How is degenerative disc disease treated?

Treatment for degenerative disc disease varies among patients and depends on the severity of the condition, as well as pain levels and duration of pain. Some mild cases may respond well to corticosteroid injections which help reduce inflammation and pain. Results from a corticosteroid injection may last weeks or months, although more long-term relief may be accomplished through other minimally invasive treatments that involve no surgery and are an outpatient procedure, meaning that you can go home the same day and little to no recovery needed.

Midsouth Spine & Pain Associates (MSSP) offers minimally invasive treatments for chronic neck and back pain associated with degenerative disc disease. While pain is inevitable, we believe suffering from pain is optional. Our pain management specialists in Corinth also serve the areas of Tupelo, Mississippi, and Jackson, Tennessee. We take pride in helping patients achieve a life of less pain, and in some cases our patients go on to live active lives and are less reliant on others for their care.

Treating Degenerative Disc Disease in Southwest Tennessee and North Mississippi, including Tupelo, MS and Jackson, TN

Degenerative disc disease affects nearly every adult at some point in their lives and while some cases may not result in pain, often this condition causes debilitating pain that interferes with one’s ability to perform daily self-care activities. You no longer have to let the pain from degenerative disc disease keep you down. To learn more or schedule a consultation, please call MSSP at (662) 284-8565.