Which Treatment for Degenerative Disc Disease Is Right for You?
Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is a common condition that affects many people as they age. The discs in your spine serve as shock absorbers between your vertebrae, and when they break down, it can lead to persistent back or neck pain.
At Spinal Diagnostics, we specialize in diagnosing and treating DDD with a variety of approaches tailored to each patient. But how do you know which treatment is best for you?
Understanding your condition
DDD doesn’t affect everyone the same way. Some people have mild symptoms, while others experience chronic, debilitating pain. That’s why the first step in finding the right treatment is getting a proper diagnosis and understanding how the condition is affecting your spine.
During your consultation, we evaluate your medical history, perform a physical exam, and may use imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs to confirm the diagnosis and guide treatment planning.
Conservative treatment options
In many cases, DDD can be managed with nonsurgical options, especially in the early stages. These may include:
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Physical therapy and guided exercises
- Chiropractic care or spinal manipulation
- Heat and ice therapy
- Postural correction and ergonomic adjustments
These treatments focus on reducing inflammation, improving strength and flexibility, and minimizing pressure on the affected discs.
Minimally invasive procedures
If conservative methods don’t bring relief, we may recommend a minimally invasive intervention, such as:
- Epidural steroid injections: Reduce inflammation and pain around irritated nerves.
- Radiofrequency neuroablation: Uses heat to disable pain-causing nerves near the affected area.
- Spinal cord stimulation: Neuromodulation techniques that block pain signals from reaching the brain.
These procedures can provide long-lasting pain relief without the need for major surgery.
When surgery is necessary
While most patients don’t require surgery for DDD, it may be the best option in cases where disc damage is severe and other treatments have failed. Surgical options may include spinal fusion or disc replacement, depending on the location and severity of the damage.
Our team works closely with each patient to explain all options and ensure they feel confident about the path forward.
If you’re dealing with symptoms of degenerative disc disease and want to explore treatment options, contact us today to schedule a consultation.