Degenerative Disc Disease Quick Facts
- Spinal cushioning starts wearing away in this condition.
- Common in older adults, typically after age 40.
- Results in pain and decreased mobility.
- Proper treatment can alleviate pain and improve mobility.
Dr. Martin Liner is an extensively skilled spine surgeon and specialist offering precise degenerative disc disease treatment in Dubai, particularly focusing on the spine and employing modern surgical techniques.
Understanding Degenerative Disc Disease
Degenerative disc disease pertains to back or neck pain symptoms resulting from the gradual deterioration of a spinal disc. It may also lead to weakness, numbness, and radicular pain in the arms or legs. Typically, degenerative disc disease involves constant, low-level chronic pain with occasional episodes of more intense pain.
This condition usually does not really lead to long-term disability and primarily can be managed using non-surgical treatment methods, and if not, then the options for minimally invasive surgery for degenerative disc disease are always available.
Lumbar Degenerative Disc Disease:
Lumbar degenerative disc disease involves the deterioration of spinal discs in the lower back region, leading to symptoms like chronic lower back pain, stiffness, and discomfort. As the discs lose their cushioning ability, individuals may experience pain radiating down the buttocks and legs, known as sciatica. This condition can impact mobility and quality of life, requiring management strategies ranging from conservative treatments like physical therapy to surgical interventions in severe cases.
Cervical Degenerative Disc Disease:
Cervical degenerative disc disease adversely affects the discs in the neck area resulting in pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion.
As the discs degenerate, they may herniate or bulge, causing compression on nearby nerves. Cervical degenerative disc disease symptoms may include radiating pain, tingling, or numbness in the arms and hands. Management of cervical degenerative disc disease typically involves a combination of non-surgical approaches like medication, physical therapy, and cervical traction, with surgical options considered for severe or persistent symptoms.
Degenerative Disc Disease Treatment
The degenerative disc disease course of treatment may be as follows:
Non-surgical Treatment
Non-surgical approaches focus on relieving pain, improving function, and decelerating the progression of degenerative disc disease.
These may include:
- Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), muscle relaxants, and pain-relieving medications may be prescribed to manage pain and inflammation.
- Physical Therapy: Physical therapy programs aim to strengthen muscles, improve flexibility, and promote proper posture to eliminate pressure on the spine and reduce pain. Therapeutic exercises, manual therapy techniques, and modalities like heat or ice may be included.
- Epidural Steroid Injections: Epidural steroid injections are anti-inflammatory medications that are directly injected into the epidural space surrounding the spinal nerves to reduce pain and inflammation.
- Alternative Therapies: Complementary treatments like chiropractic care, massage therapy, and yoga may provide additional relief for some individuals with degenerative disc disease.
- Assistive Devices: Devices such as lumbar supports, braces, or orthotics may help provide spinal support, reduce strain, and alleviate pain during daily activities.
Surgical Treatment
Options for degenerative disc disease surgery are typically considered when conservative treatments are insufficient to deliver relief or when symptoms significantly impair your quality of life.
Common surgical procedures include:
- Microdiscectomy: Microdiscectomy is a minimally invasive surgery performed to relieve pressure on spinal nerves occurring due to a herniated or bulging disc. During the procedure, the surgeon makes a small incision and uses specialized instruments and a microscope or endoscope to remove the portion of the damaged disc pressing on the nerve.
- Minimally Invasive Lumbar Fusion: Minimally invasive lumbar fusion techniques, such as transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) or extreme lateral lumbar interbody fusion (XLIF), involve the use of small incisions and specialized instruments to stabilize the spine and promote fusion between vertebrae affected by degenerative disc disease. These procedures aim to restore spinal alignment and alleviate pain while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible.
- Artificial Disc Replacement: In this procedure, the damaged disc is removed while replacing it with an artificial disc implant to maintain spine flexibility and alleviate pain. Artificial disc replacement aims to preserve motion in the spine while addressing degenerative disc disease symptoms.
A comprehensive evaluation of various factors by the healthcare provider is pivotal to determining the most appropriate treatment approach for each patient.
Trusted Care for Degenerative Disc Disease Treatment in Dubai
Dr. Martin Liner is dedicated to providing comprehensive care and innovative treatment options for patients with degenerative disc disease in Dubai. With his expertise in minimally invasive spine surgery and commitment to patient-centered care, he offers personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s unique needs.
You can trust Dr. Martin’s expertise, compassion, and dedication to achieving optimal outcomes, making him a reliable back pain doctor in Dubai.
