Degenerative Disease of the Spine

Degenerative spinal disorders often arise from wear and tear over time, and are usually associated with aging. However, even younger people can develop degenerative spinal disorders.

Healthy spinal joints are elastic and supple, allowing for fluid movement. To protect the spinal cord and provide shock absorption, rubbery fluid-filled discs are situated between the vertebrae. Over time, normal wear and tear can cause spinal discs to become compressed, offering less shock absorption and leaving less room for nerve roots. Aging discs can become dry and rigid, inhibiting mobility and placing painful pressure on nerves.

Symptoms of Degenerative Disc Disease

Disc degeneration is often accompanied by back pain, and can occur in any segment of the spine, although it is most often reported in the neck and low back.

Symptoms include:

• Increased pain when sitting
• Pain when bending, twisting or lifting
• Decreased pain when walking, or with a change in position
• Reduced pain when lying down
• Weakness, numbness or pain in the legs
• Shoulder pain and headaches

Many people think that surgery can offer a quick and permanent solution to resolving degenerative disc disorders.

Degenerative Spine Treatment at NYDNR

The joint pain specialists at NYDNR take a holistic and multi-modal approach to alleviate pain and improve mobility.