Lumbar Degenerative Disc Disease Treatment

Lumbar degenerative disc disease occurs due to age-related wear and tear on a spinal disc in your lower back. This deteriorating condition causes low back pain or radiating pain from the damaged discs. A degenerated spinal disc, which normally cushions the bones around it, loses fluid, becomes inflexible, and is more prone to exterior tearing.

The location and critical role of the lumbar spine make lumbar degenerative disc disease treatment a priority when you’re in pain. You use your lower back for body support, flexibility, and mobility. If any of the lumbar spine discs suffer damage, they stop you from participating in your life’s activities, even while suffering from persistent lower back pain.

Millions of people suffer from lower back pain, which is also a major cause of disability. If you have nagging lower back pain, get a diagnosis for degenerative disc disease so you can begin the proper treatment as soon as possible. Dr. Amr Hosny and the spine doctors at the Spine & Rehab Group in New York City and northern New Jersey offer expert guidance and solutions.

What Are the Symptoms of Lumbar Spine Degenerative Disc Disease?

Pain associated with lumbar degenerative disc disease starts out mild, but it worsens with time. It can last for a few days at a time, forcing you to take it easy. Common symptoms that point to lumbar degenerative disc disease include:

• Moderate pain in your lower back, which can radiate into your legs, buttocks, groin, and upper thighs
• Occasional pain flare-ups
• Soreness and tenderness in your spine around the degenerated disc
• Pain that worsens when sitting, due to the pressure on the damaged disc
• Pain that eases when you’re walking or changing positions
• Tingling and numbness in your arm or fingers
• Muscle weakness or loss of strength that comes with extended nerve damage

If you notice any of these symptoms accompanying your lower back discomfort, talk to a spine specialist at the Spine & Rehab Group. They have eight convenient locations in Midtown Manhattan, the Financial District, and Greenwich Village, as well as in Riverdale, Paramus, Englewood Cliffs, East Brunswick, and Cranford, New Jersey.

The intervertebral discs in your lumbar spine act as shock absorbers between the vertebrae. With age, the discs lose hydration and wear down, compromising their function and elasticity. The wear and tear can also lead to:

• A bulging disc
• Disc herniation
• Inflammation of nerves surrounding the disc
• Abnormal movement along the vertebral segment when the outer layer of the discs wears out
• Tiny tears in the outer wall of the disc

Risk factors for lumbar spine degenerative disc disease include:

• A family history of back pain
• Frequent heavy lifting
• Labor-intensive work
• A poor posture
• Extreme sports

A spine condition can alter your life because of the pain and reduced mobility. Lumbar degenerative disc disease affects one of the most critical sections of your spine, which makes it a serious condition. The lumbar spine starts at the bottom of your ribs and ends at your pelvis. It has five vertebrae that facilitate easy movement. See a spine specialist if you suffer from this condition because:

• The lumbar spine bears the weight of your body
• The lumbar spine allows flexibility and movement
• The lumbar spine offers stability
• Pain in the lower back affects your posture
• You have limited motion in your back or hips with degenerative disc disease
• Chronic pain affects the quality of your life

If the pain in your lower back hampers your lifestyle, get a diagnosis from a pain management doctor. You can trust Dr. Hosny since he’s a board-certified, Harvard-trained, interventional spine specialist who uses the latest technology for diagnosis and degenerative disc disease lumbar spine treatment.

To find the best treatment for lumbar degenerative disc disease, your doctor carries out a medical review and runs diagnostic tests as needed to reach a clear diagnosis. The goal of the treatment is pain management and improving your mobility and spine function. Lumbar degenerative disc disease treatment options include:

• Physical therapy for strengthening the surrounding muscles
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications to reduce swelling
• Analgesics to relieve pain
• Muscle relaxants
• Lumbar steroid epidural injections
• Surgical treatment, such as a spinal fusion