Do you suffer from a constant, but tolerable level of back pain? Do you have numbness, weakness, or pain that radiates into your legs? While these symptoms are common to a variety of conditions, they’re almost always found in patients suffering from degenerative disc disease. In today’s post, we’re going to take an in-depth look at more of the most common symptoms of degenerative disc disease.

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, or any form of back pain, please get in touch with our office to schedule a consultation. Our back pain treatment specialists will work to find a non-invasive solution that helps you get back to doing the things you love. Book an appointment here, and read on to learn more about degenerative disc disease.

What Is Degenerative Disc Disease?

Also known as DDD, degenerative disc disease occurs when spinal discs, which cushion the spinal bones and allow you to freely bend and twist, begin to break down due to age-related wear and tear. The more worn out a disc becomes, the more likely it will be to cause painful symptoms and reduce your range of motion. Disc degeneration is a normal part of the aging process, but the symptoms do become worse in particular cases.

Are You Experiencing Any of These Symptoms?

Constant Pain

The vast majority of patients with degenerative disc disease have a continuous level of pain near the site of the degenerating disc. It may occasionally worsen and intensify, but in many cases, these flare-ups won’t last for more than a few days.

The pain caused by degenerative disc disease may become more severe in certain positions such as standing or sitting for long periods of time. Patients with degenerative disc disease typically find relief after changing positions, and this fact should be brought to your spine doctor’s attention during your consultation.

Radiating Sensations

Radiating pain is another common sign of degenerative disc disease. This symptom occurs when a damaged disc begins to put pressure on a nearby nerve, and most patients describe the sensation as hot, stabbing, or sharp. Those with degenerating discs in the upper back will likely experience pain in one shoulder, hand, or all the way down their arm. Those with degenerating discs in the lower back will feel these symptoms in the hips, buttocks, or down one leg.

Muscle Tension and/or Spasms

As we mentioned at the outset of this post, the discs in your spine contribute to your mobility and allow you to bend, twist, and maintain stability. Damaged discs will often irritate the muscles around them, causing spasms and/or muscle tension that contribute to even more pain. In some cases, these symptoms may be debilitating. If you’re experiencing muscle tension or spasms that reduce your quality of life, be sure to bring these symptoms to your doctor’s attention during your consultation.

How Degenerative Disc Disease Is Treated

While each patient’s treatment plan will depend on their unique circumstances, a combination of physical therapy, hot and cold therapy, and steroid injections will likely be enough to improve your quality of life and prevent your symptoms from disrupting your day. In fact, more than 90% of the patients who come to The Spine Care Center are able to find lasting relief from their symptoms without resorting to surgery.

In severe cases, spinal fusion surgery or disc replacement surgery may be necessary, but at The Spine Care Center, we always turn to surgery as a last resort when non-invasive treatment options have not been effective.

Degenerative Disc Disease Treatment in Manassas

We hope that today’s entry will help you determine if your symptoms are indicative of degenerative disc disease. If you found today’s post useful, then be sure to read through our catalog of resources to learn even more about back pain treatment, posture, and more.

The Spine Care Center is proud to offer a variety of treatments for back pain in Manassas. We have an incredible team of talented spine doctors and specialists, and we’ll work to diagnose and treat your condition as quickly as we can.

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We look forward to speaking with you and helping you find lasting pain relief.

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