Degenerative Disc Disease: Condition & Treatments

Degenerative disc disease is a common aging condition affecting many people 40 or older. This condition occurs when the cushioning in the spine begins to wear down, leading to pain and problems with mobility. Franciscan Health pain management specialist Kelly Grott, MD, provides details on degenerative disc disease and explains your treatment options.

What Are The Symptoms Of Degenerative Disc Disease?

“The most common symptoms of this condition are back and neck pain,” explained Dr. Grott.

People with degenerative disc disease often characterize this pain as:

• Pain that comes and goes – sometimes lasting for weeks or months at a time
• Tingling or numbness in the arms or legs
• Pain that spreads down the lower back and buttocks
• Pain that gets worse while sitting, lifting or bending

Degenerative disc disease pain varies from person to person and can change over time. Some people experience mild pain, while others’ discomfort is more severe. Pain associated with degenerative disc disease can worsen over time.

What Are The Risk Factors For Degenerative Disc Disease?

Your risk for developing degenerative disc disease may increase if you are:

• A present or former smoker
• Female
• Obese
• Recovering from an acute (sudden) injury, such as a fall
• Working a physically active job

How Does A Doctor Diagnose Degenerative Disc Disease?

If your doctor or orthopedic specialist suspects you have degenerative disc disease, they’ll work to confirm it with a comprehensive physical exam.

“During the exam, your doctor will ask questions about your health history and symptoms,” said Dr. Grott. “They may also check your nerve function, strength and pain levels.”

Your doctor may also order imaging testing – such as an X-ray, computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) – to help diagnose your condition. These tests create detailed images of the inside of your body to help your doctor see what your spine currently looks like, including any damage and breakdown.

What Are The Treatment Options For Degenerative Disc Disease?

If your doctor diagnoses you with this condition, your treatment may include one or a combination of the following treatments:

• Home remedies. You may be able to take steps at home to help reduce symptoms related to your condition, such as:
  • Alternating hot and cold packs to the areas of pain
  • Gentle stretching or yoga to improve posture and reduce pain
  • Low-impact exercise like walking or swimming
• Medications. Certain medicines – such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or muscle relaxers – may help reduce your pain.
• Physical therapy. Working with a physical therapist may help you strengthen your muscles and improve your mobility.
• Radiofrequency neurotomy. This treatment, administered by a trained professional, uses electric currents to burn sensory nerves to prevent pain signals from reaching your brain.
• Steroid injections. Your doctor may suggest medication injections near your discs, nerves or joints to help manage your pain.
• Surgery. If other, more conservative treatments aren’t enough to control your degenerative disc disease pain, your specialist may recommend surgery. Several different surgical options are available; their goal is to relieve pressure on your spinal discs, reduce your pain and improve your function in daily life.