Degenerative Disc Disease

Like your knees, the joints in your spine wear out as you get older, causing degenerative disc disease (DDD). At the Brain and Spine Center of South Florida in Delray Beach and Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, the experienced neurosurgery team specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions that affect the spine, like DDD. The state-of-the-art practice uses the latest technology in spine care. To learn more about degenerative disc disease, call or schedule a consultation online today.

What is degenerative disc disease?

Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is the wearing down of the intervertebral discs that separate and cushion the vertebrae in your spine. These discs act as shock absorbers and give you the ability to easily bend and twist your spine.

Degeneration of these discs is a normal part of the aging process. However, when the cushion in between the bones wears away, your bones rub together, causing neck or back pain that may radiate into your arms or legs. 

What are the complications of degenerative disc disease?

DDD affects the structure and function of your spine, increasing your risk of developing other spine problems. Some of the complications that develop from degenerative disc disease include:

• Herniated disc
• Spinal stenosis
• Adult scoliosis
• Spondylolisthesis (when a vertebral bone slips in front of another)
• Arthritis

DDD is a progressive condition, but the team at the Brain and Spine Center of South Florida can help you manage symptoms and slow down the disease process.

What can I expect during an evaluation for degenerative disc disease?

You can expect a patient-centered exam when you visit the Brain and Spine Center of South Florida for an evaluation for DDD. Your provider asks detailed questions about your symptoms and the activities that make them worse. They review your medical history and perform a physical and neurological exam.

The team may also request imaging studies of your spine to assess the severity of your DDD and look for other complications.

The information they gather during your evaluation helps direct your treatment plan.

What are the treatments for degenerative disc disease?

The team at the Brain and Spine Center of South Florida customizes your DDD treatment based on your symptoms, complications, and medical history. Treatment for DDD may include:

• Physical therapy
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Steroid injections
• Rhizotomy

If conservative care fails to ease your DDD symptoms, the team at the Brain and Spine Center of South Florida may recommend spine surgery. The type of surgery you need depends on the cause of your symptoms. 

The team customizes your surgical plan using the most advanced tools and techniques so you get the best outcomes.

To learn more about DDD, call the Brain and Spine Center of South Florida or book an appointment online today.