Degenerative Disc Disease Treatment on Long Island
Treatment for Degenerative Disc Disease in Suffolk County
Dr. Salvatore Palumbo is recognized as one of the top neurosurgeons in the U.S. and has spent much of his life catering to patients with complex conditions such as degenerative disc disease. Don’t wait another day to get the relief you need. Learn more about this condition and how you can overcome it with professional help from our renowned doctor.
What Is Degenerative Disc Disease?
As we age, it is common for our vertebrae fibrous discs to change. These changes can be anything from soft cartilage bulging or herniating, and they can even crack, thin, or dry out over time. Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is an umbrella term for these age-related instances and often results in a noticeable back or neck pain. Though not all degeneration is accompanied by pain, DDD is a medical term used to describe the painful condition associated with disc degeneration. The pain will usually flare up and become more severe in episodes ranging from a couple of days to several weeks. People who suffer from degenerative disc disease should avoid lifting heavy objects, bending over, or twisting their back to prevent further complications.
Symptoms of Degenerative Disc Disease
Symptoms of degenerative disc disease may vary depending on the location and type of disc degeneration present. By the age of 60, most people will experience some form of disc degeneration, so it’s essential to understand any adverse symptoms so they can be addressed before they have a chance to become more severe. Some signs and symptoms to look out for include the following:
- Muscle tension and spasms in the back and neck
- Pain from standing or sitting for an extended period
- Weakness in the back and neck
- Pain that worsens when bending, lifting, or twisting
- Severe back and neck pain that randomly comes and goes
- A numb feeling present in the back of the neck
- The development of bone spurs
- Compressed (pinched) nerves in the arms or legs that cause weakness
- Compression of the spinal cord
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
Treatments for Degenerative Disc Disease
Treatments for DDD may vary depending on the extent of your pain. The good news is, many cases of degrative disc disease are not severe enough to require surgery. Various non-surgical treatments are used to treat and improve the pain for degenerative disc disorder that Dr. Palumbo will try before considering surgical options. If your DDD is severe, or you are not responding to non-invasive treatment options, surgery may be necessary. Dr. Palumbo will carefully evaluate your situation to ensure all other treatment methods are exhausted before discussing the possibility of surgery. Thanks to the evolving surgical techniques, Dr. Palumbo can perform less invasive fusion procedures that expand options for all patients. Some viable treatment options to combat degenerative disc disease that does not involve any type of surgery include the following:
- Physical Therapy
- Heat/Ice Therapy
- Lifestyle Modification
- Pain or Steroid Medications
- Epidermal Injections
Tests & Diagnosis for Degenerative Disc Disease
If you are an adult exhibiting signs of DDD, Dr. Palumbo has the knowledge and expertise to get to the bottom of your condition. Understanding the extent of your particular level of degenerative disc disease gives us a more precise look at how the treatment should be carried out. Dr. Palumbo will assess medical history and perform a physical examination to start. After careful analysis, he will conduct the following tests to diagnose and better understand your unique situation surrounding degeneration:
Even though X-rays are unable to pick up on soft tissue-like discs, they can provide details of the bone structures in the spine. This way, Dr. Palumbo can note any instances of narrowed spinal channels (spinal stenosis), bone spurs (osteophytes), osteoarthritis, or fractures.
MRIs provide detailed imaging of discs, allowing Dr. Palumbo to see how the spinal canal space and nerves are being affected by degenerative disc disease. MRIs are also efficient at catching tears in disc’s outer rings and even some cases of herniated discs.
CT Scans provide detailed imaging of bone structures in the spine and are a viable option for patients who cannot undergo Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRIs). A CT scan makes it easier to see bones and nerves, which may allow Dr. Palumbo to spot instances where a bone spur is pressing on a nerve.
Contact Salvatore Palumbo MD PC Now!
If you’re dealing with degenerative disc disease or are beginning to notice symptoms associated with this condition, be sure to contact Salvatore Palumbo MD PC to schedule your consultation. Get the help you need today!