Degenerative Disc Disease

Intervertebral discs are like cushions between the bones of the spine (vertebrae). Discs’ main functions are to:

⦁ Act as shock absorbers in the spine, displacing force and keeping the bones from impacting each other

⦁ Allow mobility of the spine, maintaining flexibility

Disc degeneration or damaged vertebral discs can cause discogenic pain. Chemicals are released within a damaged disc that cause an inflammatory reaction. This can cause a condition called lumbar radiculopathy or sciatica. It is estimated that discogenic pain accounts for between 28-40% of neck and back pain.

 In the low back, degenerative disc pain is usually centralized and will be worse with sitting, coughing, sneezing, and bending while lying down or standing improves it. Lumbar radiculopathy occurs when a nerve is irritated or injured, and pain, numbness and/or weakness is referred into the back, buttocks, hips, groins, thighs, legs, or feet.

If you notice any of these symptoms, make an appointment with the Revive Spine and Pain Care team. We offer state-of-the-art diagnostic testing and treatments to relieve your pain and restore your quality of life.

Most patients will experience chronic neck or low back pain In the neck, pain will typically worsen with sustained bending and muscle spasms may occur.‍

The most common cause of radiculopathy is a herniated disc. A herniated disc occurs when the soft gel-like interior of a spinal disc pushes through a tear in the rubbery outer shell. In many cases, the bulge compresses a nerve in your spine, causing radiculopathy symptoms. Other issues that cause radiculopathy include:‍

⦁ Bone spurs

⦁ Tumors

⦁ Degenerative disc disease

⦁ Osteoarthritis

⦁ Compression fractures

⦁ Spinal stenosis

⦁ Scoliosis

Risk of radiculopathy increases with age and weight. Repetitive motions and poor posture also contribute to your chances of developing an injured or irritated nerve.

The Revive Spine and Pain Care team provides treatments to relieve the irritation and inflammation of your spinal nerves, such as:‍

⦁ Anti-inflammatory medications

⦁ Epidural injections

⦁ Facet joint injections

⦁ Radiofrequency ablation

⦁ Intracept (non-surgical-minimally invasive radiofrequency of the basovertebral nerve)

⦁ Regenerative Medicine