Degenerative Disc Disease Treatment in San Antonio
Degenerative disc disease occurs when the spinal discs that cushion the vertebrae begin to wear down over time. Although it is a common part of the aging process, disc degeneration can sometimes lead to chronic back pain, neck pain, or nerve compression.
Spinal discs act as shock absorbers between the bones of the spine. As these discs lose height, flexibility, and hydration, they may become less effective at cushioning the spine. At
MD Spine Care in San Antonio, our specialists evaluate the underlying causes of degenerative disc disease and help patients understand appropriate treatment options.
Common Symptoms of Degenerative Disc Disease
Symptoms of degenerative disc disease can vary depending on the location of the affected disc and whether nearby nerves are irritated.
Common symptoms may include:
- Persistent lower back pain
- Neck pain
- Pain that worsens with sitting, bending, or lifting
- Numbness or tingling in the arms or legs
- Weakness in the arms or legs
- Pain that improves with rest or position changes
In some cases, disc degeneration can lead to conditions such as
herniated discs,
spinal stenosis, or
sciatica.
What Causes Degenerative Disc Disease?
Degenerative disc disease most often develops as part of the natural aging process. Over time, spinal discs gradually lose water content and elasticity, which can lead to decreased cushioning between the vertebrae.
Several factors may contribute to disc degeneration, including:
Age-Related Changes
Spinal discs naturally lose hydration and flexibility as part of the aging process.
Repetitive Stress on the Spine
Repeated bending, lifting, and twisting movements may place additional strain on spinal discs.
Genetics
Some individuals may be more prone to disc degeneration due to inherited factors.
Injury or Trauma
Previous spine injuries can accelerate degeneration of the spinal discs.
How Degenerative Disc Disease Is Diagnosed
Diagnosis begins with a thorough evaluation of symptoms and medical history. A spine specialist may perform a physical examination to assess movement, nerve function, and areas of tenderness.
Imaging tests such as
MRI or CT scans may be recommended to evaluate the condition of spinal discs and determine whether degeneration is contributing to nerve compression or other spine conditions.
Treatment Options for Spinal Stenosis:
Many patients with degenerative disc disease can be treated with conservative care.
Treatment options may include:
- Physical therapy to improve strength and mobility
- Anti-inflammatory medications to reduce pain and inflammation
- Activity modification
- Image-guided injections to reduce inflammation
If symptoms persist or neurological symptoms worsen, surgical procedures may be considered to stabilize the spine or relieve nerve compression.
When to See a Spine Specialist
You should consider evaluation by a spine specialist at MD Spine Care if you experience:
- Persistent back or neck pain lasting more than several weeks
- Progressive numbness or weakness in the arms or legs
- Difficulty performing daily activities due to pain
- Symptoms that worsen over time despite conservative care
Early evaluation can help identify the underlying cause of symptoms and guide appropriate treatment.
Is degenerative disc disease a normal part of aging?
Disc degeneration is a common age-related change, but not everyone experiences symptoms.
Can degenerative disc disease be treated without surgery?
Many patients improve with conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medications, and lifestyle modifications.
Does degenerative disc disease always get worse?
Symptoms can vary from person to person. Some patients experience stable symptoms while others may develop related spine conditions over time.
Schedule a Spine Evaluation in San Antonio
If you are experiencing persistent back pain, neck pain, or symptoms related to degenerative disc disease, a comprehensive spine evaluation can help determine the cause of your symptoms.
Schedule a consultation with the spine specialists at
MD Spine Care in San Antonio to learn more about your treatment options.
This information is reviewed by
Dr. Frank Kuwamura, Board-Certified Orthopedic Spine Surgeon, and the spine specialists at MD Spine Care.
