CARE & TREATMENT IN NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY
Have you been diagnosed with degenerative spine disease? Whether you’ve received an official diagnosis or you have several symptoms, a spine specialist in New York can help you develop a treatment plan to manage your condition.
At New York Spine Specialist, our team of doctors and medical professionals have the knowledge and experience to diagnose your condition. We always work toward the best interests of our patients and show compassion throughout the process. Keep reading to learn everything you should know about degenerative spine disease.
What is degenerative spine disease? Also known as degenerative disc disease, the condition occurs when the fluid that cushions your vertebrae begins wearing away, causing the spinal joints to become inflamed.
One study by Exponent Inc. concludes that about 27% of people will experience degenerative disc disease as they age.
The type of degenerative disc disease you have depends on the location of the deterioration in your back. The spine consists of three regions, including:
Many medical professionals also include spinal stenosis, a herniated disc, and osteoarthritis as forms of spinal degeneration.
Most people cannot control whether they develop degenerative disc disease, as age and wear and tear remain the most common causes. You can help slow the progression of the disease by:
Without treatment, degenerative spine disease can cause nerve injuries and other serious issues. Your doctor will use a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) test to help diagnose the condition, but you should also stay aware of the following symptoms:
How does an NY spine specialist treat degenerative disc disease? You cannot reverse or cure most forms of the disease, but you have several options for management.
Physical therapy can help strengthen your muscles and reduce some of the inflammation that causes the pain from your condition. By strengthening the muscles that support the spine, you’ll start improving your posture and slow the progression of the disease.
Your physical therapist will also empower you to do the exercises at home. This can help you relieve flare-ups when you don’t have access to your provider.
To help manage your pain, your doctor will suggest rest, heat, and over-the-counter medications like NSAIDs. For more severe or advanced conditions, they may prescribe medication.
Your doctor can burn away the nerves near the affected area to keep pain signals from reaching your brain.
If you believe you have degenerative spine disease, reach out to New York Spine Specialist. As experts in spinal injuries from an accident, we can diagnose your condition and help manage it. Our friendly doctors have excellent knowledge and you’ll love talking with them.
Our doctors accept most insurance plans, including workers’ compensation, no-fault, and PIP (personal injury protection). Same-day appointments may be available. To book an appointment, call 516-355-0111.
If you still have questions about degenerative spine disease treatment, consider these answers to the topic’s common questions.
You cannot cure or reverse spinal degeneration, but you can slow the progression with treatment and lifestyle changes.
You should avoid foods that increase inflammation, weight gain, or dehydration. These include carbohydrates and sugars, caffeine, and alcohol.
The best treatments for degenerative spine disease include physical therapy, over-the-counter pain medications, and non-invasive procedures like steroid injections.
