Degenerative Disc Disease Treatment in Louisiana
Degenerative disc disease is a weakening of one or more spinal discs, which normally act as cushions between the vertebrae. It can develop as a natural part of aging or result from injury to the back. LA Pain Doctor helps patients in Metairie, LaPlace, Harvey, Hammond, and Lutcher, LA manage the back and neck pain it causes with non-surgical treatment.
Request an AppointmentWhat Happens When Discs Degenerate?
Spinal discs have a tough outer ring and a soft, gel-like center that absorbs shock and allows the spine to bend. Over time, discs lose water content and become thinner, stiffer, and less able to cushion the spine. Small tears may form in the outer ring, and the space between vertebrae can narrow. Despite its name, degenerative disc disease is not truly a disease, but rather a condition that can cause significant pain for some people.
Symptoms of Degenerative Disc Disease
- Chronic lower back or neck pain that comes and goes
- Pain that worsens with sitting, bending, lifting, or twisting
- Pain that improves with walking, changing positions, or lying down
- Radiating pain, numbness, or tingling in the arms or legs
- Muscle spasms and stiffness
Related Problems
As discs wear down, they can contribute to other spine conditions. A weakened disc is more likely to become a Herniated Disc, and narrowing between vertebrae can lead to Spinal Stenosis and pinched nerves that cause sciatica or Cervical Radiculopathy. Extra stress on the spine’s joints can also cause Facet Joint Syndrome.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
Treatment focuses on reducing pain, calming inflammation, and helping you stay active. Depending on where your pain comes from, your provider may recommend lumbar epidural steroid injections, lumbar transforaminal epidural steroid injections, or cervical epidural steroid injections to relieve nerve pain. When the facet joints are involved, facet joint injections, medial branch blocks, and radiofrequency ablation may help. Patients with long-standing pain that has not improved with other care may be candidates for a spinal cord stimulator trial.
Physical therapy, core strengthening, and healthy weight management also play an important role. Read our tips on exercising with chronic pain or explore our lower back pain treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Degenerative Disc Disease Treatment
Is degenerative disc disease a normal part of aging?
Disc wear is common with age, but not everyone experiences pain. When it causes symptoms, treatment can help.
What does degenerative disc disease feel like?
It often causes chronic back or neck pain that flares with sitting, bending, or lifting and may radiate into the arms or legs.
Can degenerative disc disease be reversed?
Disc changes cannot be reversed, but pain can often be managed effectively with non-surgical treatment.
Does exercise help degenerative disc disease?
Yes. Core strengthening and low-impact activity can support the spine and reduce pain.
Will I need spine surgery?
Most patients manage their symptoms without surgery through injections, therapy, and other treatments.
Can degenerative discs cause sciatica?
Yes. Narrowing and disc changes can compress nerves and cause pain that travels down the leg.
Where can I get treatment?
LA Pain Doctor treats degenerative disc disease at our offices in Metairie, LaPlace, Harvey, Hammond, and Lutcher, LA. Call (504) 229-4866 - Metairie Office , (504) 229-4866 - Laplace Office , (504) 229-4866 - Harvey Office , (504) 229-4866 - Hammond Office or (504) 229-4866 - Lutcher Office to schedule.
Ease Your Disc Pain
Get relief from degenerative disc disease without surgery. Call (504) 229-4866 - Metairie Office , (504) 229-4866 - Laplace Office , (504) 229-4866 - Harvey Office , (504) 229-4866 - Hammond Office or (504) 229-4866 - Lutcher Office or request an appointment online today.