302 Baldwin St.

Jenison, MI 49428 United States

Degenerative Disc Disease

What is Degenerative Disc Disease?

Degenerative disc disease is not as much a disease as it is a name for the changes that can happen to the spine as we age.

Our discs have a rubbery exterior and a soft interior. They sit between the vertebrae to act as shock absorbers. Unfortunately, as we age, the spinal discs begin to degenerate. Degenerative discs can cause herniated discs, bulging discs, spinal stenosis, and osteoarthritis.

Degenerative Disc Symptoms

The degeneration of spinal discs may cause no symptoms at all, and symptoms depend on each patient and the severity of their case.

Pain may occur at the site of the affected disc in the back or neck. In addition, compressed nerves often cause pain, which can also travel to other areas of the body like the buttocks, arms, and legs. You may also experience numbness and tingling in the arms and legs. Pain can range from mild to severe and debilitating.

Degenerative Disc Causes

As mentioned previously, our spines can degenerate as a natural part of aging. Tears in the more rigid outer layer of the disc are common as we age. When the discs lose fluid, they become smaller and less flexible.

In addition to aging, other factors may come into play, including obesity, smoking, repeated physical work, and injury.

Degenerative Disc Treatment

Often pain caused by degeneration is treated with hot or cold packs and anti-inflammatory medication. Other forms of treatment may be beneficial when disc degeneration causes problems like herniated or bulging discs, spinal stenosis, or osteoarthritis. This treatment involves physical therapy, stretching, and in some cases, surgery. While degenerative disc disease is a natural part of aging, there are things you can do to prevent pain and stay healthy. If you are
experiencing frequent back or neck pain, be sure to visit our office for an examination so we can create a treatment plan for you.

Working Hours

Monday:

9:00 am-6:00 pm

Tuesday:

9:00 am-6:00 pm

Wednesday:

9:00 am-6:00 pm

Thursday:

9:00 am-6:00 pm

Friday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Saturday:

9:00am - 12:00pm - 2 Saturdays a Month

Sunday:

Closed

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