Degenerative disc disease (DDD) usually affects older people because it’s caused by the effects of aging on the spine. The intervertebral discs can become stiff and rigid, causing pain and other symptoms. However, there are many treatments, including physical therapy, medications, exercise, and surgery.
Degenerative disc disease is one of the most common sources of back pain as you age, but it doesn’t have to be inevitable. Here are a few ways to slow down DDD and preserve your discs, no matter how old you are.
In this discussion, we address degenerative disc disease in the lumbar (low back) spine.
Degenerative disc disease is a condition in which a damaged spinal disc causes pain. Learn about the disease here.
Can obesity cause degenerative disc disease? Learn why extra pounds can put extra strain on the spine and why the symptoms of degenerative disc disease may be worse if you're significantly overweight.
Physical therapy for degenerative disc disease (DDD) can include exercises to stretch and strengthen your spine. Find out more about how physical therapy helps treat DDD.
The diagnosis of degenerative disc disease involves a thorough neurological and physical exam along with imaging tests to confirm the extent of the spinal problem, such as herniation or spinal stenosis.
These 4 video low back exercises and stretches may help people with lumbar degenerative disc disease to reduce back pain and build core strength.
These 3 neck stretches and exercises may help you relieve pain and stiffness related to cervical degenerative disc disease.
Back or neck pain is a common symptom of degenerative disc disease. Where pain is felt depends on the region of the spine affected by DDD.
Chiropractors can diagnose and treat pain and other symptoms related to degenerative disc disease affecting the neck and back. How chiropractic doctors diagnose the cause of DDD and manual therapies, such as spinal manipulation, and how chiropractic care may manage spinal degeneration.
Smoking and tobacco use disorder is tied to increased rates of spine surgery in people with cervical degenerative disc disease and myelopathy.
Learn some basic ergonomic principles on how to adapt your work environment to protect your spine and prevent your back pain from getting worse.
Degenerative disc disease is a progressive age-related spinal disorder that can lead to disc herniation or a bulging disc and contributes to spinal stenosis causing back pain.
Dr. Richard Fessler reviews your non-surgical treatment options for degenerative disc disease in this short (but very informative) video. Listen to one of the top neurosurgeons explain what you can try before surgery.
Watch this video to understand the tests your doctor will do (or has already done) as he or she diagnoses degenerative disc disease. Dr. Richard Fessler explains CT scans, MRIs, the physical exam, and more.
In this video, you’ll quickly get basic information about degenerative disc disease from Dr. Richard Fessler, a neurosurgeon.
To understand the symptoms associated with degenerative disc disease, watch this video. Dr. Richard Fessler explains the pain and other symptoms in straightforward language
If you need surgery to deal with the pain and other symptoms of degenerative disc disease, your surgeon will recommend the best procedure. Read this article to learn about several common surgical options.
Degenerative disc disease is a common spinal disorder that can cause neck or low back pain. Patients and their doctors have many different types of medications to choose from, including spinal injection therapies.
Alternative and integrative health providers treat degenerative disc disease with complementary therapies that may include acupuncture, herbal remedies, and prolotherapy.
When medical attention is needed, the majority of patients respond well to non-surgical forms of treatment.
Artificial Discs and Degenerative Disc Disease, an interview with Kevin Foley, M.D.
Dr. Richard Fessler, a neurosurgeon and proponent of minimally invasive surgery, discusses the various types of surgeries.
The anti-cholesterol drug lovastatin (Mevacor) may improve degenerative disc disease surgical outcomes, according to a recent study.
Dr. Richard Fessler, a neurosurgeon, reviews several common terms you may hear your doctor use when talking about degenerative disc disease. This short video will help you be an informed patient and more fully understand your condition.
While your chiropractor can't reverse your cervical disc degeneration, he or she can help reduce your pain and improve your quality of life. Other conservative treatments, such as traction, can also help improve neck function and disc health.
A spine expert, Dr. Richard Fessler, explains everything you need to know about degenerative disc disease in this in-depth video series.
Degenerative disc disease has multiple causes, but the most common cause is the wear and tear process of aging on your spine. In this video, Dr. Richard Fessler goes over why your discs degenerate and cause pain.
