Degenerative Disc Disease

LA Pain Doctor -  - Pain Management Specialist

LA Pain Doctor

Pain Management Specialists located in Metairie, Laplace, Harvey, New Orleans, and Luling, LA

Degenerative disc disease is a condition that occurs with age, but that doesn’t mean you have to accept back pain as an inevitable part of growing older. At LA Pain Doctor, serving the communities of Metairie, LaPlace, Harvey, and New Orleans, Louisiana, Firas Hijazi, MD, and Satvik Munshi, MD, offer top-quality care for degenerative disc disease and a wide range of other conditions. Call today to book an appointment, or spend a few moments on the online scheduling page.

Degenerative Disc Disease Q & A

What is degenerative disc disease?

Degenerative disc disease is a condition in which your spinal discs begin to break down.

These rubbery discs of tissue have a soft, gel-like core surrounded by a tougher outer layer. They act to cushion your vertebrae and absorb shock as you go through daily tasks.

When your spinal discs begin to show signs of wear and tear, they cannot perform those essential activities. You’ll begin to experience symptoms, and should seek medical care to explore treatment options.

Left untreated, a degenerating disc can lead to instability of the spine, as well as inflammation. You can experience a negative cascade effect that can impact your overall health.

What are some symptoms of degenerative disc disease?

Back pain is the most common symptom of degenerative disc disease. Your pain might:

  • Come and go
  • Range from mild to severe
  • Last anywhere from a few days to many months
  • Get worse if you lift, twist, or bend
  • Get better if you lie down or change position
  • Improve if you move or walk and worsen if you sit in one place

Your pain may be concentrated in your lower back, but might also occur in your upper thighs or buttocks.

What treatments can help degenerative disc disease?

The team at LA Pain Doctor prefers to take a conservative approach when possible. This might include lifestyle modifications to move closer to a healthy weight, or a course of physical therapy to strengthen the muscles that support your spine.

Medications might play a role in your treatment path. However, drug therapy only masks the pain and does nothing to address the root cause. Medications also carry a risk of side effects, including addiction.

Surgical intervention is sometimes the only way to find lasting relief. There are procedures that fuse two bones together, and others that provide support to a joint while also enabling a degree of flexibility.

Artificial disc replacement is also an option, and works by removing damaged disc tissue and replacing it with a synthetic disc. You might also benefit from a procedure to remove a portion of damaged disc tissue without a full replacement.

If you are ready to move beyond the pain and inconvenience of degenerative disc disease, call today to set up a consultation. Online scheduling is also available, and is fast and easy.

Our Services

 

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PAIN MANAGEMENT

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NECK PAIN

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SCIATICA

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BACK PAIN

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ARTHRITIS

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HIP PAIN

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KNEE PAIN

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HERNIATED DISC

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PROLOTHERAPY

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DEGENERATIVE DISC DISEASE

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SPORTS INJURIES

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SHOULDER PAIN

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ARM PAIN

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MUSCLE PAIN

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HEADACHES

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LEG PAIN