Lumbar Degenerative Disc Disease Treatment in New Jersey

Disc degeneration is a normal part of the aging process, especially after the age of 40. The stress you put on your spine over the years can eventually lead to:

• A loss of fluid in the discs;
• Discs becoming thinner and less spongy;
• Small tears or cracks in the outer disc shell, leading to herniation.

Your risk of developing this condition increases if you have a family history of back problems. You may inadvertently speed up the process of disc herniation through some lifestyle choices, such as:

• Obesity;
• A sedentary lifestyle;
• Smoking cigarettes;
• A sudden fall or trauma from playing sports.

Jobs that involve heavy lifting or twisting may hasten the degeneration of your discs as well. Prolonged sitting or long-distance driving also strains the spinal discs, leading to back pain or disc damage.

As you age, your joints begin to wear out, including the joints in your spine, knees and hips. Most people over the age of 40 have some disc degeneration in their lower back, but not everyone has symptoms. If you do develop symptoms of lumbar disc degeneration, they likely include:

• Back pain that ranges from mild to severe;
• Sharp shooting pain down your leg;
• Weakness in your back that may radiate to your buttocks or hips;
• Difficulty walking;
• Muscle spasms in your back.

The pain may intensify with certain movements, such as bending or lifting. You may feel some relief from pain when you’re walking or lying down. Your New Jersey pain management doctor determines if you have lumbar degenerative disc disease or something else, such as a pinched nerve, with a physical exam and imaging tests.