What is degenerative disc disease?
The space between the vertebrae in your spine contains a disc with a gel-like filling that provides cushioned support. If the disc wears out over time, you have degenerative disc disease.
Most people don’t need surgery for a degenerative disc, and many don’t even know they have one because the degenerated disc doesn’t cause any symptoms. Sometimes, though, the disc presses against nearby nerves and causes the following symptoms:
- Back or neck pain
- Pain that radiates down the arms or legs
- Weakness in affected muscles of the arms or legs
- Numbness or tingling in the arms, legs, or buttocks
- Abnormal posture
If you think you might have a degenerated disc, you should seek help from Dr. Remi Ajiboye right away.
What causes disc degeneration?
As you age, you may experience disc degeneration from the natural wear-and-tear on your spine. Disc degeneration may also be from longstanding trauma. If you play sports, work a demanding job, don’t use proper form, or carry excess body weight, you run a greater risk of tweaking your neck or back.
How do doctors detect disc degeneration?
Dr. Remi Ajiboye often identifies disc degeneration after gathering information about your health, performing a thorough physical evaluation, and ordering imaging tests. An MRI provides the most detailed image of your spine, nerves, and other structures. He may also order X-rays or CT scan to detect structural problems.
What treatment options are available for disc degeneration?
In most cases, Dr. Remi Ajiboye treats disc degeneration with conservative treatments like over-the-counter medication or physical therapy/strengthening exercises. If your symptoms do not improve with those conservative treatments, he might progress to any of the following treatments:
- Prescription medication
- Cortisone injections
- Physical therapy
- Chiropractic adjustments
- Acupuncture
In the rare cases that these treatments fail or your injury is severe, Dr. Remi Ajiboye might consider surgery. With minimally invasive spine surgical techniques, he can remove parts of the degenerated disc to relieve pressure on the nerves.
Dr Remi Ajiboye is a minimally invasive spine specialist serving Torrance, El Segundo, Long Beach and the surrounding communities of South Bay, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, Rancho Palos Verdes, Rolling Hills, Lomita, San Pedro, Carson, Lawndale, Gardena, Hawthorne, Santa Monica, Marina Del Rey, Culver City, Inglewood, Ladera Heights, South Gate, Lynwood, Compton, Los Alamitos, Westminster, Garden Grove, Lakewood, Cerritos, Bellflower, Downey, Paramount, Bellflower, Norwalk, Whittier, Santa Fe Springs, Anaheim, Santa Ana, Orange, Tustin, Fullerton, Seal Beach, Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, and greater Los Angeles county and Orange County. Contact Remi Ajiboye, MD, online or over the phone to set up an appointment.
