Main Office Number : 903-957-7246
Fax: 903-957-0049
Globally, around 403 million people live with lower back pain caused by degenerative disc disease. While aging plays a substantial role in the condition’s development, there are ways to protect your spine and lower your risk of developing or worsening disc problems.
At Silver Spine & Neurological Center - Interventional Pain Management & Spine Surgery, we specialize in helping patients prevent and manage spine issues with advanced interventional pain management and expert surgical care.
Degenerative disc disease isn’t actually an actual disease. It’s a term used to describe wear-and-tear on the spinal discs — cushions between your vertebrae that help absorb shock and keep your spine flexible.
Over time, these discs can dry out, thin, stiffen, or develop small cracks, leading to pain, stiffness, and nerve problems. Several factors can speed up disc damage, including:
Degenerative disc disease symptoms include low back or neck pain that comes and goes and pain that worsens when sitting, bending, or lifting. Tingling or numbness traveling along the limbs and muscle weakness can also develop if the spinal nerves come under pressure.
Disc degeneration is a common aspect of aging, but not everyone experiences painful symptoms. And the good news is, there are ways to help keep your spine healthier for longer.
While you can’t completely stop the aging process, you can take steps to slow disc degeneration and lower your chances of developing painful symptoms. Here’s what we recommend:
Keeping your spine correctly aligned reduces stress on your discs and joints. Try to:
A supportive chair and an ergonomic work set-up can make a big difference.
Regular movement helps keep your spinal discs nourished and flexible. Low-impact exercises like walking, swimming, and biking promote circulation and strengthen muscles.
Focus on exercises that support your core, including your abdominal and back muscles. A strong core takes pressure off your spine and improves balance and posture.
Surplus weight (especially in your midsection) strains your lower back and increases the load on spinal discs. Losing even a small amount of weight can help reduce back pain and prevent further damage.
Smoking reduces blood flow to your discs, slowing their ability to repair themselves. It also increases your risk of disc herniation. Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do, not just for your spine, but also for your overall well-being.
Always bend at your knees and keep your back straight when lifting heavy objects. Avoid twisting your spine or carrying loads unevenly. Proper lifting techniques protect your discs from sudden stress and injury.
If you’re dealing with chronic back or neck pain or other disc disease symptoms, come to us for an evaluation. Prompt treatment can help you avoid long-term complications.
We use advanced diagnostic tools and offer personalized treatments, including noninvasive therapies, interventional pain management, and minimally invasive spine surgery. We identify the root cause of pain and tailor treatment accordingly to help you stay active and pain-free.
If you’ve already been diagnosed with degenerative disc disease, don’t lose hope — there are many ways to successfully manage symptoms without surgery. Our team offers treatments such as:
We aim to help you maintain your quality of life with the least-invasive approach possible.
Your spine does a lot of heavy lifting every day, but treat it with care now, and you can help prevent problems like degenerative disc disease in the future.
Whether you’re looking to avoid back pain or relieve ongoing symptoms, the Silver Spine & Neurological Center - Interventional Pain Management & Spine Surgery team is here to help. Contact us today by phone or online to schedule a consultation and keep your spine healthy for years to come.