Despite the name, Degenerative Disc Disease is not a disease but something that happens naturally to nearly everyone as we age. However, even though nearly everyone has some amount of disc degeneration, not everyone presents with pain. Disc degeneration is incredibly common, but there are other factors that can cause it aside from age. This includes daily activities and sports that cause tears to the outer core of the disc or injuries that can cause swelling, soreness, and instability. Because the discs don’t receive a lot of blood, they can’t heal as quickly as other parts of the body when they are injured or start to dry out.

Symptoms can range from nonexistent and mild to relatively severe and are usually concentrated in the lower back or neck. These symptoms commonly include nagging or severe pain, pain in the lower back, thighs, or buttocks, pain in the neck that radiates into the arms or hands, pain that gets worse while sitting, bending, lifting, or twisting, pain that improves when walking or moving, pain that improves by changing positions or lying down, periods of pain that comes and goes, numbness and tingling in the fingers or toes, and weakness in the leg muscles.

There are a few therapies that have been proven effective in treating Degenerative Disc Disease. Physical therapy and exercise are most effective in treating Degenerative Disc Disease because, especially combined, they improve mobility, flexibility, and range of motion. Degenerative Disc Disease can also be treated through medications, namely non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen and naproxen sodium, and pain relievers like acetaminophen, and heat and cold therapy. In extreme situations, surgery and spinal mobilization can be used.

Ultimately, incorporating exercise into your daily routine will help relieve the pain you experience due to Degenerative Disc Disease because exercise increases blood flow, stimulating healing, and provides oxygen and nutrients to your joints and muscles. Ultimately, this will increase strength and flexibility, providing support to the spine.
There are ways to manage the condition at home as well. Certain lifestyle choices will help improve your symptoms, such as making healthy diet choices and quitting smoking. Along with regular exercise and working with a qualified physician or physical therapist, you can manage your pain effectively and efficiently.

If you are suffering from the symptoms of Degenerative Disc Disease, you can find help at the Ramos Center for Interventional & Functional Pain Medicine at any of our convenient locations in Bradenton, Sarasota, Venice, Englewood, Port Charlotte, Dunedin and St. Petersburg, FL. Our board-certified physicians, highly-skilled physical therapists, and excellent medical team are devoted to providing you with personalized treatment that will get you back to living your life to the fullest. We have state-of-the-art facilities, diagnostics, and therapy resources, all designed to provide you with the best care in Florida. Call Ramos Center today to schedule your appointment to treat your Degenerative Disc Disease today!

One of the most common causes of back and neck pain is Degenerative Disc Disease. Degenerative Disc Disease is when the intervertebral discs, the gel-like rubbery discs between the vertebrae, start to wear out. These discs are essentially shock absorbers that make it easy for people to bend, flex, and stretch the back. As we age, these discs dry out and harden, making it difficult and more painful to move in the same way you used to.

Despite the name, Degenerative Disc Disease is not a disease but something that happens naturally to nearly everyone as we age. However, even though nearly everyone has some amount of disc degeneration, not everyone presents with pain. Disc degeneration is incredibly common, but there are other factors that can cause it aside from age. This includes daily activities and sports that cause tears to the outer core of the disc or injuries that can cause swelling, soreness, and instability. Because the discs don’t receive a lot of blood, they can’t heal as quickly as other parts of the body when they are injured or start to dry out.

Symptoms can range from nonexistent and mild to relatively severe and are usually concentrated in the lower back or neck. These symptoms commonly include nagging or severe pain, pain in the lower back, thighs, or buttocks, pain in the neck that radiates into the arms or hands, pain that gets worse while sitting, bending, lifting, or twisting, pain that improves when walking or moving, pain that improves by changing positions or lying down, periods of pain that comes and goes, numbness and tingling in the fingers or toes, and weakness in the leg muscles.

There are a few therapies that have been proven effective in treating Degenerative Disc Disease. Physical therapy and exercise are most effective in treating Degenerative Disc Disease because, especially combined, they improve mobility, flexibility, and range of motion. Degenerative Disc Disease can also be treated through medications, namely non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen and naproxen sodium, and pain relievers like acetaminophen, and heat and cold therapy. In extreme situations, surgery and spinal mobilization can be used.

Ultimately, incorporating exercise into your daily routine will help relieve the pain you experience due to Degenerative Disc Disease because exercise increases blood flow, stimulating healing, and provides oxygen and nutrients to your joints and muscles. Ultimately, this will increase strength and flexibility, providing support to the spine.