Degenerative Disc Disease

As you get older, you’re also more likely to experience musculoskeletal conditions caused by general wear-and-tear. One of the most common causes of back and neck pain in older adults is degenerative disc disease. At Coastal Spine & Sports Medicine, PLLC, in Wilmington, North Carolina, Francis Pecoraro, MD, DAPMR, SAAPMR, regularly works with patients to diagnose and treat this painful condition. If you suspect your symptoms are a result of degenerative disc disease, make an appointment by calling the office or using the online booking feature today.

What is degenerative disc disease?

Degenerative disc disease is a common musculoskeletal problem that occurs as a result of the natural aging process. 

As you get older, the soft cushion-like discs that exist between your vertebrae deteriorate and break down. Over time, this causes your vertebrae to rub up against one another, causing stiffness, irritation, and pain. 

What are the symptoms of degenerative disc disease?

The symptoms of degenerative disc disease vary from person to person and depend on the severity of your condition. 

Some people with degenerative disc disease don’t experience any obvious symptoms at all; others experience pain that’s debilitating, preventing them from taking walks or exercising regularly. 

The symptoms of degenerative disc disease also depend on the location of your damaged discs. For example, if the discs in your neck begin to deteriorate, you might experience issues in your arms, shoulders, or hands. 

If the discs in your lower back begin to deteriorate, you might experience pain, numbness, or tingling in your buttocks or upper thighs. 

Who gets degenerative disc disease?

Degenerative disc disease affects men and women, but it’s particularly common in people who are middle-aged and older. Other factors that increase your risk of degenerative disc disease include: 

• Being obese
• Working a job that involves manual labor
• Smoking tobacco

You’re also more likely to develop degenerative disc disease if you experience an acute, sudden injury, such as a fall off a ladder or an automobile accident. 

How do you diagnose degenerative disc disease?

To diagnose degenerative disc disease, Dr. Pecoraro reviews your medical history and asks you a series of questions, including where your pain occurs, if it’s associated with any other symptoms, such as numbness or tingling, and which situations cause the most pain. 

Next, he performs a physical exam. During your exam, he assesses your muscle strength, nerve function, and pain in response to touch. If these tests don’t provide adequate insights, Dr. Pecoraro might also order diagnostic imaging such as an MRI or CT scan. 

After gathering all of the necessary information, he formulates a treatment plan that aligns with your individual needs and goals for treatment. 

How do you treat degenerative disc disease?

Whenever possible, Coastal Spine & Sports Medicine, PLLC uses conservative, minimally invasive treatments to address pain caused by degenerative disc disease. 

Usually, Dr. Pecoraro recommends starting with light exercise. Walking, swimming, and cycling can build strength in your core muscles, providing additional support for your spine and musculoskeletal structure. 

He might also recommend physical therapy, dietary changes such as eating anti-inflammatory foods, or an epidural steroid injection.

If your pain doesn’t respond to more conservative methods of care after some time, surgical intervention may be necessary. In this case, Dr. Pecoraro can refer you to a surgeon in the area for an evaluation. 

Don’t let degenerative disc disease prevent you from living your best life. If you’re living with chronic back or neck pain, make an appointment at Coastal Spine & Sports Medicine, PLLC, by calling the office or using the online booking tool today.