Degenerative Disc Disease Neck
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
Overview
Disc degeneration or damaged vertebral discs can cause discogenic pain. Chemicals are released within a damaged disc that cause an inflammatory reaction. This causes the disc and the vertebrae on either to become chronically painful and stiff. It is estimated that discogenic pain accounts for between 28-40% of neck and back pain.
Symptoms
Most patients will experience chronic neck or low back pain. In the low back, pain is usually centralized and will be worse with sitting, coughing, sneezing, and bending while lying down or standing improves it. In the neck, pain will typically worsen with sustained bending and muscle spasms may occur.
Diagnosis
The Compass Pain and Spine can diagnose discogenic pain during a comprehensive history and physical examination. In addition, we may also request diagnostic tests such as an MRI, X-rays, CT scans or in some cases discography.
Treatment
The Compass Pain and Spine offer many cutting-edge options to treat discogenic pain from degenerative disc disease. Epidurals, radiofrequency ablation, facet blocks, intradiscal treatments, Intracept (non-surgical-minimally invasive radiofrequency of the Baso vertebral nerve), and surgery such as disc replacement are among some of the many options we offer to regain and restore your function.