1. Degenerative Disc Disease Surgery

2. Degenerative disc disease surgery is a method of
treatment that is sometimes recommended
when all other more conservative techniques
have been exhausted. While rarely necessary,
for a select segment of the population, this
course of action may represent the best chance
for lasting pain relief. So, what is degenerative
disc disease and why would surgery be
necessary to fix the problem?

3. Degenerative Disc Disease
The term degenerative disc disease is assigned to
instances when one or more of the intervertebral discs
that cushion the spine become severely deteriorated. In
the back and neck, the vertebrae that make up the spinal
column are cushioned and separated by these discs.
These discs each feature a gel-like inner disc material,
known as the nucleus pulposus, which makes the disc
flexible, as well as a tough outer shell, known as the
annulus fibrosus, that gives the disc its strength. When
everything is working the way it should, the intervertebral
discs, along with the vertebral facet joints, and a variety
of other spinal components allow for the full range of
motion that we require from our back and neck.

4. What Happens to the Spinal Anatomy
The problem with the spinal anatomy is that over the years it has a tendency
to naturally deteriorate. Vertebral joints become arthritic, ligaments calcify,
muscles atrophy, and discs become worn. This degeneration is entirely
normal and accounts for the loss of flexibility that most of us associate with
aging. However, when wear and tear advances to the point that chronic pain
develops, treatment may be required.
A final important note about degenerative disc disease is that more often
than not, the symptoms that arise from this condition have more to do with
nerve compression that occurs as a result of the deterioration of the disc than
from the deterioration itself. The spinal column is an extremely tightly packed
region of the body, and a change to one part of the anatomy can have a ripple
effect with wide-reaching ramifications. For instance, when disc material
seeps into the spinal column it may come in contact with a nerve, impeding
the regular function of the nerve, which will lead to any number of
symptoms.

5. Treatment Options
In most instances, degenerative disc disease
can sufficiently be treated with a combination
of noninvasive techniques. In fact, only in the
most extreme cases is degenerative disc
disease surgery usually warranted. More often
than not, a doctor can help develop a regimen
of conservative treatments that will help the
patient sufficiently manage their pain in the
long-term. Yet, while there is no shortage of
possible treatments available, finding the right
combination is exceedingly important. Taking
the wrong approach may prove to be a waste
of time or even makes symptoms worse.
That said, some combination of anti-
inflammatories, physical therapy, stretching
exercises, hot/cold therapy, and other similar
treatments more often than not will provide
the results the patient requires in time.

6. Surgery
In the event that several weeks or months of conservative treatment fails to abate the patient’s
symptoms, degenerative disc disease surgery may be considered. There are a wide variety of
different surgeries that can be recommended depending on the patient and their condition. For
instance, one common spine surgery is known as spinal fusion. During this procedure, the
deteriorated intervertebral disc is carefully removed and replaced with a bone graft. The affected
vertebrae are then stabilized with surgical hardware. This invasive procedure may be effective
because it permanently immobilizes the region of the spine, preventing painful movement, but it
is also highly intrusive and requires a sacrifice of flexibility as well as several months of recovery
and rehabilitation.
Alternatively, many people turn to minimally invasive spine procedures for relief. These state-of-
the-art techniques are designed to remove herniated disc material and make other small
adjustments to relieve nerve compression in the spinal canal. In most instances, this treatment is
conducted on an outpatient basis and requires very little post-operative recovery, however not
every patient is a candidate for this approach.
To learn more about degenerative disc disease surgery and other treatments, speak with your
doctor or a spine specialist today.