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• Spine Degeneration

Spine Degeneration

Spine degeneration, which can include degenerative disc disease and spinal osteoarthritis, occurs gradually over time, and is a normal side-effect of growing older. While some degree of spine degeneration is unavoidable, the severity and location can vary widely on a case-by-case basis. In some instances, an individual will have no knowledge of the degeneration; in others, spine degeneration can cause a variety of debilitating symptoms in the back, neck, and extremities.

Another common term for spine degeneration is degenerative disc disease, but this expression is a bit of a misnomer. Not actually a disease, this disorder occurs when the protein and water content of the spongy, shock absorbing intervertebral discs changes, causing the discs to become weakened, fragile, or thinned. This is not necessarily symptomatic, but should the abnormal disc herniate or become fragmented and extrude into the spinal column, the adjoining nerve structures may become irritated. It is when the spinal cord or nerve roots become compressed or inflamed that pain and other symptoms follow.

Degenerative disc disease and arthritis typically go hand-in-hand and can affect the intervertebral discs as well as the joints of the spine – known as the facet joints. When facet joints become arthritic, the cartilage between the joints breaks down. This can make it painful for you to turn your neck or body, and also can lead to stiffness and difficulty standing.

Typical symptoms of spine degeneration include:

• Local, chronic neck or back pain
• Radiating pain along the nerve root into the extremities
• Sciatica
• Muscle weakness
• Stiffness or soreness
• Numbness or tingling in the extremities
• Bladder and bowel incontinence and severe weakness in extreme, emergency cases
• More

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If a patient is experiencing the above problems associated with spine degeneration, symptoms can normally be managed conservatively with specified exercise, heat packs, anti-inflammatories, and painkillers. In the event that the degeneration has become advanced or debilitating, surgery may become an option. In this case, contact Laser Spine Institute (LSI) to learn about endoscopic spine surgery. Our outpatient procedures are minimally invasive and use gentle lasers to help alleviate the back and neck pain of spine degeneration. Contact LSI today for a free review of your MRI or CT scan and to speak with a member of our medical team.

Please note: Laser Spine Institute currently does not perform endoscopic procedures on the thoracic spine.