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Degenerative Disc Disease
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Disc degeneration (wear and tear) occurs naturally with aging and, over time, everyone exhibits some level of disc degradation. Not all people, however, will develop symptoms as the condition varies greatly in nature and severity.
The term "degenerative" implies symptoms will worsen with age and/or activity. In this case, the term applies to the disc degeneration but does not necessarily the symptoms. While disc degeneration is likely to progress over time, any related lower back pain does not generally get worse and, quite often, improves over time.
In general, those with degenerative disc disease will not experience continuous and/or severe pain. Associated pain is usually more related to activity and flares from time to time but diminshes or goes away altogether in a relatively short period of time.
Patients will commonly have some chronic lower back pain with intermittent episodes of severe discomfort. The severe pain is thought to be caused by abnormal motion in the degenerated disc that generates an inflammatory reaction. In trying to stabilize the spine, the body reacts to the pain with muscle spasms. The spasms make patients feel like their back has "gone out".
Severe pain can last from a few days to a few months. The chronic pain can range from annoying to disabling although severe cases are the exception.
In addition to low back pain, patients may experience leg pain, numbness and tingling. These sensations rarely indicate ongoing nerve root damage. However, weakness in the leg muscles is an indicator of nerve root damage and should be addressed immediately.
Treatment Options
A variety of conservative treatment options exist for back pain resulting from spinal degeneration. In most cases, simple therapies such as mild pain medications and rest are effective. The goal of treatment is to relieve discomfort, slow or stop further degeneration, and restore normal activity quickly.
Treatment options include:
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As a final option, and only after conservative treatments have been ineffective, surgery may be considered.
We Can Help
The physicians at the Northwest Surgical Specialists Pain Management Center are experts at diagnosing the need for and delivering soothing pain medicine exactly where it will result in maximum relief.
If you or a loved one is suffering the effects of chronic pain, contact the Pain Management Center at 847.885.9525 to arrange a consultation.
3100 W. Higgins Rd., Ste. 150
Hoffman Estates, IL 60169
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Surgical Care Center
431 Summit Street, Suite 102
Elgin, IL 60120
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Foot & Ankle Care
Physical Therapy