Despite its name, degenerative disc disease isn’t a disease. It refers to a pain condition that occurs as the result of worn down spinal discs. Most adults have some degree of spinal disc degeneration by age 60, though most don’t have major symptoms.
At The Spine Institute of Southeast Texas, orthopedic surgeon Thomas Jones II, MD, and our team work with patients across Pearland, Houston, and Lake Jackson, Texas to better manage degenerative disc disease and other spine conditions. We focus on conservative care and minimally invasive options when needed to reduce pain and improve mobility.
If you’ve been diagnosed with degenerative disc disease, here are five encouraging facts you should know about the condition and its treatment.
Receiving a diagnosis of degenerative disc disease can be alarming. That’s why our team explains to patients that spinal joints, like other joints, wear down with age.
The intervertebral discs that provide cushion between the bones of the spine experience several changes over time. They tend to dry out, shrink, lose height, and sometimes crack. As this happens, they become stiff, thinner, and less effective at absorbing shock.
This happens to nearly everyone whether they have pain or not.
Many patients can manage degenerative disc disease without surgery. A targeted, conservative treatment plan can make a real difference.
This may include:
Dr. Jones first focuses on treatments that reduce pain and improve function without the need for surgery.
Many patients fear that once disc degeneration starts, pain will steadily increase. Fortunately, that’s not how it works for most people.
Back pain and neck pain related to degenerative disc disease often comes and goes. You may have periods where symptoms flare up followed by long stretches where you feel much better. The body can adapt to these changes, and inflammation can settle down over time.
With the right treatment plan and lifestyle adjustments, many patients find that their symptoms become more manageable.
When back pain flares up, it’s natural to want to rest. But too much inactivity can make symptoms worse over time.
Movement helps keep your spine flexible, supports circulation to spinal structures, and strengthens the muscles that stabilize your back. Spine-friendly exercise builds strength without adding strain.
Many people worry that a diagnosis of degenerative disc disease means surgery is inevitable. In reality, most patients never need it.
When surgery is appropriate, such as in cases of significant nerve compression or persistent pain that doesn’t respond to conservative care, today’s techniques are far less invasive than they once were.
The goal is to get your pain under control so you can move comfortably again. When symptoms don’t improve or they interfere with your daily life, The Spine Institute of Southeast Texas offers effective surgical options.
When there’s chronic lower back pain caused by degenerative disc disease, Dr. Jones may recommend lumbar disc replacement. For certain patients with neck-related symptoms, cervical disc replacement relieves nerve pressure while preserving flexibility.
Talk with our spine care team about your back or neck pain. Patients who choose The Spine Institute of Southeast Texas receive comprehensive care tailored to their personal goals and level of disc progression. Our goal is to get you moving and feeling better.
To learn more or schedule an evaluation with Dr. Jones, contact us today by phone or online. You can rely on us to help you with lasting relief.
