Nagging lower back pain can interfere with nearly every aspect of life, from moving around at work to trying to fall asleep at night. Over time, this dull and annoying pain can become debilitating. This is why Dr. Bobby Bilitsis at Prestige Health and Wellness urges people to see a medical professional as soon as possible. They’ll be able to determine if it’s degenerative disc disease or something else and start treatment to prevent it from worsening.
Degenerative disc disease may feel like pain that:
- Feels worse when standing still
- Radiates down the back
- Causes tingling and numbness
Below, we’ll explore what you need to know about degenerative disc disease and non-surgical treatment options you can consider in Manhattan, NYC.
What is Degenerative Disc Disease?
Interestingly, degenerative disc disease isn’t actually a disease. It’s a long-term condition that occurs when discs wear down.
Discs are small cushions that sit between the bones of the spine. They’re made up of two anatomical structures: the nucleus pulpous and annulus fibrosus. The nucleus pulpous is a gel-like structure that makes up the inside of the disc, and the annulus fibrosus is a thick, cartilage-enveloping outer ring that surrounds it.
When these discs start to wear out over time, or the gel-like structure dries out, this can lead to degenerative disc disease. Without treatment, you could also develop a herniated disc.
Degenerative Disc Disease Symptoms
Many people with degenerative disc disease are asymptomatic, meaning they don’t experience any symptoms at all. However, if one does experience symptoms, common signs include pain that:
- Comes and goes
- Radiates down the lower back and buttocks
- Feels worse when bending, lifting, or sitting but feels better when walking or running
- Tingling
- Weakness
- Numbness
The pain may range from mild to severe. The location of your pain also depends on where disc degeneration has occurred. If you’re suffering from lumbar disc degeneration, you’ll experience pain in the lower back, while cervical disc degeneration causes pain in the neck.
Degenerative Disc Disease Causes and Risk Factors
Degenerative disc disease is linked to increasing age. In fact, nearly everyone develops disc degeneration after age 40 due to wear and tear. However, some factors may increase someone’s risks, such as:
- Smoking
- Obesity
- A sedentary lifestyle
- Working a physically demanding occupation
- A sudden injury
- Long-term poor posture
Treating Degenerative Disc Disease in Manhattan
If you believe you’re dealing with degenerative disc disease, you don’t have to suffer. Dr. Bobby Bilitsis and other doctors at Prestige Health and Wellness have helped hundreds of patients in Manhattan.
Here are some of the non-surgical treatment options that are available to you.
Acupuncture
The beneficial effects of acupuncture for lower back pain are well-documented, with research showing that it’s safe and cost-effective. This treatment decreases inflammation and relieves muscle stiffness, among other things.
Physical Therapy
One study found that physical therapy treatment increased muscle strength and improved range of motion in a patient with degenerative disc disease. This form of treatment is primarily aimed at relieving pain. Therefore, let our knowledgeable Manhattan physical therapists create a personalized treatment plan to help restore your quality of life and well-being.
Massage Therapy
A case report found that after several massage therapy sessions, a patient experienced an improved range of motion, decreased pain, and increased functional daily activities. Allow our team of Manhattan massage therapy professionals to assist you.
Chiropractic Care
Manhattan chiropractic services, like spinal adjustments and flexion-distraction therapy, may help improve spinal function and symptom management.
Contact Prestige Health and Wellness: Manhattan NYC
Although degenerative disc disease is a part of the aging process, there are things you can do to prevent it from worsening. Delaying or forgoing treatment now may lead to surgery and constant pain later. Therefore, if you suspect that your neck or lower back problems might be associated with degenerative disc disease in Manhattan NYC, contact Prestige Health and Wellness today.
Book an appointment for degenerative disc disease treatment in Manhattan, or if our treatment options are right for you, please don’t hesitate to call our office at 212-393-4673.
We look forward to seeing you at one of our locations in Manhattan NYC: