Degenerative disc disease is a chronic, progressively worsening condition that affects the discs between the vertebrae in the spine. These discs, which act as cushions between the bones of the spine, can deteriorate over time, causing pain and discomfort. Alliance Orthopedics is dedicated to providing the latest treatments and therapies to help relieve degenerative disc disease symptoms. With our state-of-the-art technology and knowledgeable staff, we can help you live a life of comfort and mobility.
Causes of Degenerative Disc Disease
Degenerative disc disease primarily results from the natural aging process, wear and tear on the spine, and lifestyle factors. To help determine the underlying cause of your condition, our experienced team at Alliance Orthopedics will conduct a comprehensive evaluation. While aging is the most common cause, other contributing factors may include:
Genetics
Genetic predisposition may play a role in the development of degenerative disc disease. Certain individuals have a higher susceptibility due to their family history or the type of connective tissue that makes up their discs. Moreover, some individuals may inherit certain conditions leading to disc degeneration.
Spinal Trauma
Injuries or trauma to the spine, such as those caused by a car accident or sports-related injuries, may cause disc damage resulting in degenerative disc disease. If you have experienced spinal trauma, seeking medical attention as soon as possible is vital. Early diagnosis and treatment can minimize the potential long-term effects of degenerative disc disease.
Poor Posture and Body Mechanics
Consistently poor posture and improper body mechanics can put extra stress on the spinal discs. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain proper body mechanics when lifting heavy objects and practice good posture throughout the day. If your job requires extended periods of sitting or standing, we can provide tips and exercises to help reduce the strain on your spine.
Smoking
Smoking reduces the oxygenated blood supply to spinal discs, inhibiting their ability to receive nutrients and repair themselves. This may lead to accelerated disc degeneration and the development of degenerative disc disease. If you are a smoker, quitting is essential for maintaining your health and reducing your risk of developing this condition.
Degenerative Disc Disease Symptoms
This condition can manifest with a range of symptoms, each affecting patients differently based on factors such as the location and severity of disc degeneration. While some individuals might experience mild discomfort, others may face more pronounced symptoms that impact their daily lives. Recognizing these symptoms is crucial for early intervention and effective management. Here are the common symptoms associated with degenerative disc disease:
- Chronic back pain
- Neck pain
- Pain during bending, lifting, or twisting
- Numbness and tingling sensations
- Muscle weakness
- Limited range of motion
- Pain that worsens when sitting
Treatments for Degenerative Disc Disease
The treatment approach for degenerative disc disease aims to manage pain, improve function, and enhance the patient’s quality of life. Depending on the severity of the condition, various options are available. Alliance Orthopedics offers conservative and surgical treatments to help treat degenerative disc disease. These treatments may include:
- Physical therapy
- Lifestyle modifications
- Epidural injections
- Discectomy
At Alliance Orthopedics, we understand the impact of degenerative disc disease on your quality of life. Our team of experienced orthopedic specialists is dedicated to tailoring a treatment plan that best suits your needs and goals. Contact us to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward effectively managing your degenerative disc disease.
Sciatica is a common condition characterized by pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, which branches from your lower back through your hips and buttocks and down each leg. Typically, sciatica affects only one side of your body. It’s usually caused when a herniated disk, bone spur on the spine, or spinal stenosis compresses part of the nerve.
Alliance Orthopedics is committed to providing comprehensive care for a wide range of orthopedic conditions, including sciatica. Our team of experienced professionals is dedicated to helping you understand the root cause of your condition and develop a personalized treatment plan to reduce pain and improve your quality of life.
Causes of Sciatica
Sciatica is typically caused by issues affecting the spine that result in compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve. These issues may vary greatly in severity and duration, from temporary and mild, to chronic and severe. Here are some of the most common causes of sciatica:
- Pregnancy
- Piriformis syndrome
- Spondylolisthesis
- Spinal stenosis
- Bone spurs on the spine
- Herniated disk
Symptoms of Sciatica
The primary symptom of sciatica is pain that radiates from your lower (lumbar) spine to your buttock and down the back of your leg. However, symptoms of sciatica may also mimic other conditions making diagnosis difficult. Therefore, it is crucial to discuss any symptoms of sciatica with a qualified healthcare professional. Some common symptoms of sciatica include:
- Lower back pain
- Pain in your buttocks or leg that is worse when sitting
- Burning or tingling down the leg
- Weakness, numbness, or difficulty moving your leg or foot
- Constant pain on one side of the rear
- Shooting pain that makes it difficult to stand up
Treatments
At Alliance Orthopedics, we believe in a patient-centered approach to treating sciatica. We aim to alleviate your pain, restore mobility, and help you return to regular activities as quickly and safely as possible. We offer the latest in advanced pain relief technologies and treatments. Our team is here to guide you every step of the way, from diagnosis through recovery. To help treat sciatica, Alliance Orthopedics offers several modalities, including:
Spinal Decompression
Spinal decompression is a type of motorized traction that can help relieve sciatic nerve pain. It works by gently stretching the spine, which changes the force and position of the spine. This change takes the pressure off the spinal disks, which are gel-like cushions between the bones in your spine, by creating negative pressure in the disc. As a result, bulging or herniated disks may retract, taking pressure off nerves and other structures in your spine. This helps promote the movement of water, oxygen, and nutrient-rich fluids into the disks so they can heal.
Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care is a non-invasive treatment option that can be effective for many patients with sciatica. Chiropractors are trained to realign the spine, which can relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve and alleviate pain. Treatment may involve spinal adjustments to correct misalignments, as well as soft tissue manipulation and stretching exercises to relieve muscle tension. Regular chiropractic care can help to maintain spinal health and prevent future episodes of sciatica.
Dry Needling
Dry needling, similar to acupuncture, is a treatment technique that involves inserting very thin needles at specific trigger points on your body. It can be beneficial in treating sciatica by breaking up trigger points stimulating sensory nerves in the muscles and surrounding tissues. This leads to the release of endorphins, which are our body’s natural painkillers. Dry needling can be an effective treatment for relieving sciatica pain, and it may also reduce inflammation and improve nerve function.
If you’re suffering from sciatica, don’t hesitate to contact us at Alliance Orthopedics. We’re here to help you get back to living your life without pain. Our team of experienced professionals is ready to provide you with personalized care, whether that involves chiropractic adjustments, spinal decompression, acupuncture, or a combination of these treatments.
