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What is Degenerative Disc Disease?

Despite its name, Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) is not actually a “disease,” but a condition of the gradual breakdown of the spinal discs that cushion the bones in your neck. These soft, water-filled discs between your spinal vertebrae act like shock absorbers, allowing you to turn, bend, and move your head comfortably.

Over time, those discs can dry out, flatten, crack, or lose flexibility, causing painful friction, inflammation, stiffness, and sometimes nerve compression. As DDD progresses, these discs lose their height and elasticity, which can lead to bones rubbing together or nerves becoming compressed. This wear and tear are a common part of aging, but it can cause chronic pain in nearby joints, nerves, and even the spinal cord.

Is occasional stiffness in your neck now causing you pain, headaches, or tingling and weakness in your arms? Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) can make simple movements frustrating. Schedule an appointment with one of our specialists to explore your available treatment options before the problem worsens. 

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How did this happen? Possible Causes and Risk Factors

  • Natural aging: As you age, discs dry out. A gradual loss of fluid or dehydration of your discs occurs as the discs become thinner and less effective at absorbing impact. Smoking accelerates disc dehydration.
  • Everyday movement or a progressive wear pattern can cause minor injuries that can cause small cracks in the outer shell (annulus) of the disc.
  • Years of repetitive physical stress, such as neck strain from work or sports, repetitive heavy lifting, poor posture, or spinal alignment, can accelerate the breakdown.
  • Genetics or family history of spinal degeneration can dictate how quickly your “shocks” wear down.
  • Preexisting conditions such as prior herniated discs, arthritis in the facet joints, and/or even a previous neck injury or whiplash.

Do I need help? Possible Signs

  • Neck stiffness, grinding, popping, or catching sensations, especially in the morning.
  • Numbness/Tingling: The “pins and needles” sensation is most often felt by patients in their hands and fingers.
  • Headaches that start at the base of the skull.
  • Muscle fatigue in the arms or weak grip strength.
  • Chronic or recurring neck pain: Pain from DDD can manifest in a variety of diverse ways; pain can worsen when sitting for extended periods of time or when looking up, down, or turning side to side. Sometimes pain can “shoot” into your arms, shoulder blades, buttocks, or thighs. In some cases, chronic low-level back or neck pain can occasionally spike, causing severe muscle spasms.
  • Severe Signs:
    • Increasing arm weakness or numbness.
    • Poor hand coordination or frequently dropping objects.
    • Trouble with balance/walking.

How can we help? Possible Treatments

Non-Surgical (Mild Cases): 
  • Lifestyle changes: Weight management and quitting smoking can improve disc blood flow.
  • Activity modification or posture correction: Reducing repetitive neck stress from poor posture and improving workstation ergonomics can significantly decrease inflammation.
  • Heat/ice therapy: Treats flare-ups and muscular spasms.
  • Anti-inflammatory medications: Medications to reduce swelling and quiet irritated nerves.
  • Muscle relaxers/nerve medications: Helpful when muscle guarding or radiating nerve pain is present.
  • Targeted Physical Therapy: Strengthens core muscles to take the “load” off your spine.
  • Epidural steroid injections/selective nerve root injections: Deliver steroids directly to the inflamed area for targeted relief to compressed nerves.
Surgical

Life after treatment

Most patients experience temporary relief from conservative measures; these non-surgical treatments aim to manage symptoms rather than reverse hip joint damage. Once the physician treats the source of inflammation and instability, most patients experience significant improvement. Treatment stops the pain, restores mobility, and improves the quality of life.

Disclaimers:

  • The information provided on www.lonestar-ortho.net is intended for general informational and educational purposes only. The content on this website is presented in summary form, general in nature, and should not be considered medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations.

  • The materials and information provided on this website are not intended to replace professional medical advice, care, or consultation with a qualified healthcare provider. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical condition, treatment option, or health concern.

  • Do not ignore professional medical advice or delay seeking care because of something you read on this website. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 or seek immediate medical attention.

Book Your Appointment Today

The earlier a medical professional identifies Degenerative Disc Disease, the more treatment options you typically have available. Our specialists are ready to create a personalized roadmap for your recovery. 

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