Understanding and treating age-related disc degeneration with motion preservation techniques that maintain your spine's natural function.
Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) is not actually a disease, but rather a natural aging process where spinal discs gradually lose their water content, height, and flexibility. This process typically begins in the 20s and 30s but may not cause symptoms until later in life.
As discs degenerate, they can cause pain through several mechanisms: loss of disc height leading to nerve compression, inflammatory proteins leaking from the disc, and abnormal motion between vertebrae. The condition most commonly affects the lumbar (lower back) and cervical (neck) regions.
Recognizing the signs of degenerative disc disease and when to seek treatment
Deep, aching pain in the neck or lower back
Pain that worsens with sitting, bending, or twisting
Reduced flexibility, especially in the morning
Pain that comes and goes, often triggered by activities
Pain extending into arms or legs
Loss of sensation in extremities
Progressive weakness in arms or legs
Constant, severe pain affecting daily function
Comprehensive evaluation to determine the extent of disc degeneration and optimal treatment approach
Diagnosis begins with a thorough history and physical examination, focusing on pain patterns, functional limitations, and neurological symptoms.
Advanced imaging helps visualize disc degeneration and rule out other conditions.
Important: Imaging findings must correlate with clinical symptoms. Many people have disc degeneration on imaging without symptoms, while others have significant pain with minimal imaging changes. Treatment decisions are based on the combination of symptoms, examination findings, and imaging.
Comprehensive treatment approach from conservative care to advanced motion preservation surgery
ADR preserves motion while eliminating pain from degenerated discs. Ideal for single or multi-level disease in appropriate candidates.
Strategic combination of motion preservation and fusion, preserving motion where appropriate while providing stability where needed.
Fusion remains the gold standard for certain conditions involving instability, deformity, or when motion preservation isn't suitable.
Understanding expected outcomes and potential risks of treatment
Significant reduction in axial spine pain
Return to daily activities and work
Maintained spinal flexibility with ADR
17+ year follow-up data shows sustained benefits
Infection, bleeding, anesthesia complications
Risk of nerve damage during surgery
Wear, loosening, or migration of implants
Degeneration at levels above or below surgery
Get a comprehensive evaluation to determine if motion preservation surgery is right for your degenerative disc disease.