Disc Degenerative

Degenerative Disc Disease is a common cause of neck and back pain that occurs when the intervertebral discs, which act as shock absorbers between the vertebrae, begin to wear out. As we age, these discs can dry out and harden, making movement more difficult and painful.

If you are experiencing Degenerative Disc Disease and seeking treatment, the Ramos Center for Interventional & Functional Pain Medicine has convenient locations in Bradenton, Sarasota, Venice, Englewood, Port Charlotte, Dunedin, and St. Petersburg, FL. We can provide you with the necessary treatment to alleviate your symptoms.

To help answer any questions you may have about the disease, we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions below.

What causes Degenerative Disc Disease?

Degenerative Disc Disease is a natural occurrence that happens to almost everyone as they age, although it’s not actually a disease. While disc degeneration is common, not all individuals experience pain. Apart from aging, other factors such as daily activities and sports that cause tears to the outer core of the disc or injuries that can cause swelling, soreness, and instability can also contribute to it. Due to the discs’ limited blood supply, they heal slower compared to other body parts.

What are the symptoms of Degenerative Disc Disease?

The symptoms of Degenerative Disc Disease range from mild to severe and are often concentrated in the lower back or neck. They may include persistent or intense pain, discomfort in the lower back, buttocks, or thighs, pain in the neck that radiates to the hands or arms, pain that exacerbates while sitting, bending, lifting, or twisting, pain that eases while walking or changing positions, intermittent bouts of pain, tingling and numbness in the fingers or toes, and leg muscle weakness.

Is there a treatment for Degenerative Disc Disease?

Effective therapies for treating Degenerative Disc Disease include physical therapy and exercise, which improve mobility, flexibility, and range of motion when combined. Medications like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and naproxen sodium and pain relievers like acetaminophen, as well as heat and cold therapy, can also be helpful. In severe cases, surgery and spinal mobilization may be required.

Incorporating exercise into your daily routine can provide relief from Degenerative Disc Disease symptoms by increasing blood flow, stimulating healing, and providing oxygen and nutrients to joints and muscles. Healthy diet choices and quitting smoking can also help manage the condition. Working with a qualified physician or physical therapist, along with regular exercise, can effectively manage pain.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of Degenerative Disc Disease, the Ramos Center for Interventional & Functional Pain Medicine offers personalized treatment at their Bradenton, Sarasota, Venice, Englewood, Port Charlotte, Dunedin, and St. Petersburg, FL locations. With board-certified physicians, skilled physical therapists, and a dedicated medical team, the Ramos Center provides state-of-the-art facilities, diagnostics, and therapy resources for the best care in Florida. Call the Ramos Center today to schedule an appointment for Degenerative Disc Disease treatment.

What is Disc Degeneration?

Degenerative Disc Disease is a prevalent cause of back and neck pain, characterized by the gradual deterioration of intervertebral discs. These rubbery discs are located between the vertebrae and act as shock absorbers, allowing for comfortable movement of the back. However, as we age, these discs tend to dry out and harden, making it harder to move and causing discomfort.

What leads to Degenerative Disc Disease?

Degenerative Disc Disease is a natural occurrence that happens to almost everyone as they age, despite its misleading name as it is not a disease. While disc degeneration is common, not everyone experiences pain from it. Age is not the only factor that can cause disc degeneration; it can also be caused by daily activities and sports that result in tears to the outer layer of the disc, or injuries that cause swelling, soreness, and instability. Because the discs receive minimal blood supply, they heal slower than other parts of the body when they sustain damage or start to dry out.

What are the signs of Degenerative Disc Disease?

Symptoms of Degenerative Disc Disease can vary from non-existent or mild to relatively severe, and usually affect the lower back or neck. These symptoms typically include persistent or acute pain in the lower back, buttocks, or thighs, pain in the neck that extends to the hands or arms, worsening pain while bending, lifting, twisting, or sitting, relief from pain when walking or moving, pain relief by changing positions or lying down, recurring periods of pain, numbness and tingling in the toes or fingers, and leg muscle weakness.

Is there a cure for Degenerative Disc Disease?

Several treatments have been shown to be effective in managing Degenerative Disc Disease. Physical therapy and exercise are particularly effective in improving mobility, flexibility, and range of motion. Medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen and naproxen sodium, as well as pain relievers like acetaminophen and heat and cold therapy, are also used to treat Degenerative Disc Disease. In rare cases, spinal mobilization and surgery may be necessary.

Incorporating exercise into your daily routine can help alleviate the pain associated with Degenerative Disc Disease. Exercise increases blood flow, which promotes healing, and provides oxygen and nutrients to your muscles and joints, resulting in increased strength and flexibility that supports the spine.