Degenerative Disc Disease
Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) is the degeneration of the intervertebral disc – osteoarthritis of the spine – usually in the neck or lower back. DDD is a condition typically affecting adults over the age of 60 and is the result of normal wear and tear of the spine. There may be no symptoms, however, is some cases the spine loses flexibility and bone spurs may pinch a nerve root, causing pain or weakness. Another cause of Degenerative Disc Disease is an injury to the lumbar spine resulting from twisting or bending excessively and repetitively.
Treatment for Degenerative Disc Disease
DDD cannot be cured – however – it can be helped through a Multidisciplinary Therapeutic Treatment Plan at Spine and Sports Medicine.
Each spinal disc is comprised of:
- A firm outer layer – the annulus fibrosus
- A jelly-like inside – the nucleus pulposus
Damaged spinal discs cause great pain.
- Pain radiating to the upper back
- Pain radiating to the lower back
- Pain radiating down the legs, thighs, and buttocks
- Muscle spasms
- Nerve injury
- Physical deformity
- Sensation of pins and needles
When the nucleus pulposus is damaged, it becomes inflamed and irritates the nerve root. The cartilage comprising the end of a spinal disc is prone to deterioration. This deterioration exposes the spinal nerves and makes them vulnerable to injury.
Once the cartilage is worn down, it cannot regenerate or heal on its own. Degenerative disc disease is a condition requiring consistent medical attention and care through physical therapy. Treatment helps to alleviate chronic back pain.
Contrary to its name and the typical pattern of degenerative disease progression – disc degeneration does not usually get more painful with time. The disease does progressively worsen over time as a chronic painful condition – especially with the natural aging process – pain typically remains at the same level.
Degenerative disc disease is described as a low amplitude pain – being bearable – with sporadic flare ups to a higher intensity pain. Pain flare ups occur after sitting or lying down for long periods of time – versus – standing and being active. The angle of sitting or lying down for long periods of time will cause the spinal discs to be compressed.
Multidisciplinary Treatment of Chronic Back Pain
At Spine and Sports Medicine, effective and lasting back pain relief can be achieved through a Multidisciplinary Therapeutic Team Approach. Effective physical therapy at Spine and Sports Medicine is comprised of:
- Manual Therapy
- Therapeutic Exercises
- High Tech Exercises
- High Touch Exercises
- Weight Resistance Exercises
- Postural Corrections
- Tailored Home Exercise Program
Gold Standard Back Pain Management
Other highly effective back pain management treatment methods at Spine and Sports Medicine include:
- Moist Heat
- Ice Application
- Medical Massage
Chiropractic Care for Chronic Back Pain Treatment
The Doctors of Chiropractic at Spine and Sports will diagnose the root cause of your chronic back pain through:
- A complete patient medical history
- A physical examination
- X-Rays, MRI, or CT scan – as deemed appropriate
Upon arriving at an accurate diagnosis of Degenerative Disc Disease, the Multidisciplinary Team at Spine and Sports Medicine will design a treatment plan specifically tailored to alleviate your pain and increase your quality of life.
Medical Insurance Coverage for Chronic Pain Treatment
At Spine and Sports Medicine, there is no requirement for you to obtain an outside primary physician referral to have the cost of your treatment covered by your insurance plan. Most insurance plans cover the cost of treating chronic pain. Our insurance experts will help you to determine your coverage and assist in processing your claims.
Multidisciplinary Therapeutic Treatment in One Convenient Location
If you are suffering from chronic pain – and have been delaying seeking treatment – discover effective pain relief provided by a multidisciplinary therapeutic practice in one convenient Midtown Manhattan location – at Madison Avenue and 40th Street.
Reach out to the multidisciplinary team of pain management experts at Spine and Sports Medicine by clicking below – or – call 212.986.3888.