That nagging ache in your lower back or the constant stiffness in your neck can be more than just an annoyance—it can be a sign of degenerative disc disease. Hearing this term can sound alarming, but it’s a common cause of spine pain, especially as we age.
Think of your spinal discs like the tread on a tire. Over many years and miles, the tread naturally wears down. Degenerative disc disease is normal wear and tear on spinal discs. It doesn’t mean you are destined for chronic pain.
The truth is that this condition is highly manageable. The experts at Summit Orthopedics can help patients in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area find relief and improve mobility.
What Is Degenerative Disc Disease?
It’s important to know that degenerative disc disease, sometimes referred to as DDD, isn’t truly a “disease.” It’s a condition that develops when the soft, cushion-like discs between your vertebrae (spine bones) begin to break down, or “degenerate.” These discs act like shock absorbers, and as they lose water and become thinner with age, they can’t protect the spine as well.
Disc degeneration can happen anywhere in the spine but is most common in two areas:
- The cervical spine (neck)
- The lumbar spine (lower back)
What Causes Disc Degeneration?
While aging is the No. 1 cause, several other factors can speed up the wear-and-tear process:
- Daily stress: Years of repetitive bending, lifting or twisting can take a toll.
- Genetics: Your genes may increase your likelihood of developing spine problems.
- Lifestyle factors: Both smoking and carrying excess weight put added stress on your spinal discs.
- Sudden injury: A fall, car accident or sports injury can damage discs.
Degenerative Disc Disease Symptoms
Many people have disc degeneration and don’t even know it. When symptoms do appear, they often include:
- Aching or sharp pain in the back or neck
- Muscle weakness in your arms or legs
- Numbness or tingling that travels down the arms or legs if a disc presses on a nerve
- Pain that comes and goes, flaring up for a few days to months at a time
- Pain that gets worse when you sit, bend or lift something heavy
Interestingly, many people notice less pain when they walk around, change positions or lie down.
When to See a Doctor
You should schedule a visit with a spine specialist if:
- The pain is severe or getting worse.
- You begin having trouble with your balance or walking.
- You notice numbness, tingling or weakness in your arms or legs.
- Your pain lasts for more than a few days.
During your appointment, your doctor will discuss your symptoms and perform a physical exam. Based on the findings, your doctor may order additional tests or imaging. If further testing is required, we will schedule it for you. These tests, like an X-ray or MRI, help us see exactly what is happening in your spine.
A note about emergencies: If you lose control of your bladder or bowels, this is a medical emergency. Please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away.
Degenerative Disc Disease Treatments
At Summit Orthopedics, our main goal is to reduce your pain and improve your function so you can get back to your daily life.
Common and effective nonsurgical treatments for degenerative disc disease include:
- Heat and cold therapy: Using a heating pad or ice pack can provide simple, effective relief for pain and stiffness.
- Injections: An epidural injection can deliver powerful anti-inflammatory medication directly to the source of the pain.
- Lifestyle changes: Our team can guide you on maintaining a healthy weight and quitting smoking, both of which can significantly improve your spine health.
- Medication: Your doctor may recommend over-the-counter pain relievers or prescribe steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce swelling and pain.
- Physical therapy: A customized exercise plan can strengthen the muscles that support your spine, improve flexibility and reduce pain.
Addressing Your Biggest Concerns
Will I Need Surgery?
Probably not. The vast majority of patients with degenerative disc disease find lasting relief through nonsurgical care like physical therapy and lifestyle changes. Your doctor may only suggest degenerative disc disease surgery if you have severe pain and other treatments haven’t helped.
Will I End Up in a Wheelchair?
It is extremely unlikely. While severe nerve compression can lead to weakness or numbness, degenerative disc disease itself is not a paralyzing condition. In fact, staying active is one of the best things you can do for it. Our goal is to keep you moving comfortably and confidently.
How to Protect Your Spine for the Future
You can’t stop the clock on aging, but you can take powerful steps to protect your spine:
- Don’t smoke, as it harms your discs and overall health.
- Lift smart by using your legs, not your back.
- Maintain a healthy weight to reduce pressure on your spine.
- Practice good posture when you are sitting and standing.
- Stay active with regular, low-impact exercise like walking or swimming.
Care for Degenerative Disc Disease at Summit Orthopedics
Living with degenerative disc disease doesn’t mean giving up the activities you love. You don’t have to let spine pain dictate your life. In the Minneapolis/St. Paul area, the dedicated spine team at Summit Orthopedics is here to provide a personalized diagnosis and a treatment plan that works for you.
Summit Orthopedics surgeons are available at nearly 30 convenient locations across the Minneapolis/St. Paul metro area, serving Minnesota and western Wisconsin. Our state-of-the-art, comprehensive orthopedic centers offer same-day appointments from a team of experts who offer the full scope of orthopedic care.
Find your Summit Orthopedics spine expert, request an appointment or call us at (651) 968-5201 to schedule a consultation.
