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Discogenic Degenerative Changes

Discogenic degenerative changes naturally accompany the normal aging process and can occasionally lead to back, neck or neuropathic pain in some patients. For the most part, degenerative changes in the spine are unavoidable and are caused by regular wear and tear on the spine. That said, injury, poor spine alignment, unhealthy habits, and disease can also expedite disc deterioration – particularly in the flexible cervical (neck) and lumbar (lower back) spine segments.

Locations

Without question, the most common location for discogenic degenerative changes lies in the lumbar spine in the lower back. The five (or six) vertebrae in the lumbar spine are the strongest and largest in the body, but are also extremely flexible and support the majority of the body’s weight. This combination of stress and mobility keeps the intervertebral discs that cushion the vertebrae under significant duress, which eventually can lead to discogenic degenerative changes and often to lower back pain.

However, it’s important to understand the distinction between degenerative changes and pain. The mere presence of a herniated disc in the lower back isn’t always enough to cause back pain; rather, a herniated disc becomes painful when the herniated disc material irritates the outer wall of the disc, the spinal cord, or a nerve root in the spinal column.

Treatment

Treatment of discogenic degenerative changes and nerve compression can usually be accomplished with the help of a physician. In most cases, back pain can be sufficiently managed with an aggressive regiment of conservative, non-surgical treatments, such as:

• Pain medication, cortisone shots, anti-inflammatories and more
• Heat therapy or ice packs
• Chiropractics or acupuncture
• Stretching techniques or targeted exercises
• Posture improvement
• Healthy diet
• And more

Click Here to see how you can get your life back in 5 days

Should your pain continue despite several weeks of conservative treatment, contact Laser Spine Institute (LSI) to learn about our minimally invasive, outpatient endoscopic treatments. Oursafe and effective, state-of-the-art procedures can address your discogenic degenerative changes and help you rediscover your life without pain. Call today for more information and to request a free review of your MRI or CT scan.

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