Degenerative Disc Disease Treatment | Long Island Spine Specialists

Over time, the spinal discs degenerate, shrink, and lose their integrity, causing neck pain, back pain, and other complications. These age-related changes are known collectively as degenerative disc disease.

WHAT ARE SPINE DISCS?

Spine discs are soft structures that separate the bones (vertebrae) of your spine. They act as shock absorbers so that the spine can bend and twist with ease. As they break down with age, many patients complain of pain, reduced range of motion, and other issues.

SYMPTOMS

The symptoms of degenerative disc disease vary depending on the location of the affected spinal discs and the extent of your condition.

Common signs include:

Persistent lower back or neck pain
Pain that worsens with movement or activity
Numbness or tingling in a leg or arm
Pain that extends to the buttocks and thighs

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Visit one of our New York locations.

WHAT CAUSES DEGENERATIVE DISC DISEASE?

Fluid Loss: Your spinal discs naturally lose fluid with age, which reduces flexibility and shock absorption. It also makes the discs thinner, resulting in less distance between the vertebrae.

Tears or Cracks: Over time, it’s possible for tears or cracks to develop on the outside layer of the spinal discs. When this occurs, the material inside can get pushed out, resulting in a bulging disc.

Injury: A sudden injury that results in a herniated disc often starts the process of disc degeneration.

THE DIAGNOSIS: WHAT TO EXPECT

Our physicians can typically make a diagnosis of degenerative disc disease with a physical examination.

During your appointment, we will:

Collect your medical history
Check your range of motion and assess actions that trigger the pain
Look for nerve-related changes in the area
Discuss activities that cause your pain
Check for fractures, tumors, and other conditions

Practice Policy Update Regarding COVID-19

Dear Patients:

Our patients, employees and family are our top priority at Long Island Spine Specialists, P.C.

We ask you to not visit any of our locations if you have symptoms such as fever, sneezing, coughing and possible shortness of breath.

Please cancel your appointment and re-schedule once you are feeling better and are no longer suffering with symptoms.

Only non-symptomatic patients will be seen. No exceptions.

Accompanying family members – including children – are asked to remain in the waiting area and will not be allowed to enter the exam rooms.

During this time of high concern regarding the spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) we are taking extra precautions to maintain the highest possible standards of safety and cleanliness. Please be advised that we are carefully following recommendations from both the CDC and WHO and are here to help guide you through this time if needed.

Some steps we are taking to keeping safe:

We know how important cleanliness is and always maintain the highest standards of cleanliness. To further offer you peace of mind, we have increased the frequency of the cleaning of our office.

Rest assured that hand washing is strictly followed. Hand sanitizer is available to all staff and patients.

Additionally, if you have recently traveled to a country with high rates of the coronavirus or have been on a cruise, please reschedule your visit for at least 14 days from your return date. We will gladly accommodate your needs to reschedule. At that time, a telehealth interface can be arranged if necessary.

Find up-to-date and accurate information on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website and feel free to reach out with questions.

- Your team at Long Island Spine Specialists, P.C.

Schedule a Consultation

To learn more about Long Island Spine Specialists – and to discover how we can relieve your pain and help you find an improved quality of life – please contact our office today and schedule a consultation.

Degenerative Disc Disease