Degenerative disc disease is a common condition affecting the spine. It occurs when the discs that cushion the bones of your spine break down over time. This leads to back pain, stiffness, and sometimes additional health issues.
If you are searching for the best doctor for degenerative disc disease, knowing which type of specialist can help is essential.
This article will guide you on the types of doctors to consult, their roles, and the treatments they can provide.
What Is Degenerative Disc Disease
Degenerative disc disease is not a disease in the traditional sense. It is a condition that happens naturally as you age, but it can also occur due to injury.
The spinal discs lose hydration, wear down, or develop tears. This can result in pain, numbness, or weakness.
Some common symptoms include:
- Pain in the lower back or neck.
- Discomfort that worsens when bending, twisting, or lifting.
- Pain that improves when lying down or frequently changing positions.
- Numbness or tingling in the arms or legs.
If you are experiencing these symptoms and wondering who to consult, multiple specialists can address these concerns.
Which Doctors Treat Degenerative Disc Disease
Several types of doctors can diagnose and treat degenerative disc disease. Each plays a different role depending on the severity of your symptoms and your specific needs.
Primary Care Physicians (PCPs)
Your first step in seeking help is usually a visit to your primary care physician. They will assess your spine-related symptoms and medical history.
If your back pain persists or worsens, a PCP can refer you to a specialist for degenerative back disease treatment.
Orthopedists
Orthopedists specialize in bones, joints, muscles, and spine. They have extensive experience in treating spinal conditions, including degenerative disc disease.
They can recommend treatments such as physical therapy, medications like anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g., ibuprofen or Advil) or corticosteroid injections.
If conservative treatments fail, your spinal condition may require surgery. An orthopedic surgeon experienced in spinal surgeries can perform procedures like spinal fusion or disc replacement. These options are generally for patients with severe pain or limited mobility from degenerative disc disease.
Physical Therapists
Physical therapists are not medical doctors, but they work closely with other specialists to help patients regain mobility and reduce pain. A personalized exercise plan can strengthen back muscles and provide relief from discomfort caused by degenerative disc disease.
What Are the Common Treatment Options for Degenerative Disc Disease
When you connect with the best doctor for degenerative disc disease, they may recommend one or more of the following treatments.
Non-Surgical Treatments
Non-surgical treatments for degenerative disc disease are as follows:
Physical Therapy
A customized program of strengthening and stretching exercises can help improve posture, increase flexibility, and provide better support for the spine.
Physical therapists may also use techniques such as manual therapy or posture training to address specific spinal issues.
Medications
Pain relief can be achieved through prescription or over-the-counter drugs, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) for mild pain or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen for reducing inflammation.
In some cases, muscle relaxants or prescription painkillers may be recommended for short-term use.
Lifestyle Modifications
Making changes such as achieving a healthy weight, practicing proper posture, and avoiding activities that involve heavy lifting or repetitive strain can significantly reduce pressure on the spine and prevent further injury.
Incorporating regular low-impact exercises, like walking or swimming, can also support spine health.
Steroid Injections
Corticosteroid injections directly into the area around affected nerves or discs can help decrease inflammation and provide temporary pain relief, particularly for individuals with conditions like herniated discs or spinal stenosis.
These injections are typically recommended when other treatments have not provided sufficient relief.
Advanced Surgical Options
If non-surgical methods are not effective, advanced interventions may include:
Spinal Fusion
This surgical procedure stabilizes the spine by permanently joining two or more vertebrae together using bone grafts, screws, and rods.
This eliminates motion between the fused vertebrae to reduce pain caused by conditions like degenerative disc disease or spinal instability.
Artificial Disc Replacement
This modern surgical option replaces a damaged or degenerated spinal disc with an artificial disc made of metal or plastic.
Unlike spinal fusion, this procedure aims to preserve some natural mobility in the spine while relieving pain and improving function.
Laminectomy
This decompression surgery involves removing a portion of the vertebra called the lamina to create more space within the spinal canal.
This helps relieve pressure on the spinal nerves caused by conditions like spinal stenosis or herniated discs.
Deciding whether to undergo surgery depends on factors such as the severity of symptoms and your overall health.
Best Doctor for Degenerative Disc Disease in Bismarck, ND
If degenerative disc disease causes you pain, do not wait to seek help. Finding the best doctor for degenerative disc disease can make a significant difference in your quality of life. Whether you need medication, physical rehabilitation, or advanced spine surgery, specialists are available to help.
At The Bone & Joint Center, our compassionate orthopedic doctors are here to provide expert care. With state-of-the-art solutions tailored to your needs, we will help you get back to what you love.
Call our office in Bismarck, North Dakota, at (701) 946-7400 / (866) 900-8650 or fill out our appointment request form to schedule your consultation with our best doctor for degenerative disc disease treatment. We look forward to serving you!
