Degenerative Disc Disease

Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is a chronic spinal condition that can limit your mobility, flexibility, and daily function. As spinal discs deteriorate over time, they may cause persistent back or neck pain and sometimes radiating symptoms in the arms or legs.

At Centers for Pain Control & Vein Care, our pain specialists focus on the underlying causes of degenerative disc disease to reduce pain, improve function, and enhance quality of life. With offices in Hobart, LaPorte, Merrillville, Munster and Valparaiso, Indiana, our specialists use cutting-edge therapies to target the source of your pain safely and effectively.

If you experience persistent back or neck pain, call us at 219-476-7246 or request an appointment online today.

What is degenerative disc disease?

Degenerative disc disease occurs when the intervertebral discs  (the soft cushions between the bones [vertebrae] of your spine) begin to break down. These discs:

• Absorb shock during movement
• Provide flexibility for bending and twisting
• Protect vertebrae from friction

As discs deteriorate, they may bulge, herniate, or lose height, causing pain and sometimes irritating surrounding nerves. This can result in back or neck pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms or legs.

How serious is degenerative disc disease?

DDD is a progressive condition that can significantly impact your daily life without treatment. Symptoms may include:

• Pain that worsens with bending, twisting, or sitting
• Lower back pain when sitting or standing for long periods
• Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms, hands, legs, or feet
• Limited mobility and reduced flexibility

Many patients find relief when walking, stretching, or lying flat, as these positions reduce disc compression and nerve irritation.

What causes degenerative disc disease?

The most common cause is aging. By age 60, most people have some level of disc degeneration, although not everyone experiences pain.

Other contributing factors include:

• Repetitive stress from sports or daily activities
• Spinal injuries or trauma
• Disc dehydration: discs lose moisture over time, making them brittle and less able to absorb shock

These changes can lead to:

• Chronic pain
• Disc instability
• Swelling or soreness
• Nerve compression
  

Can degenerative disc disease resolve on its own?

DDD does not heal on its own and typically worsens over time. Early diagnosis and intervention are key to maintaining mobility and independence.

How is degenerative disc disease treated?

Treatment depends on symptom severity and progression. Your Centers for Pain Control specialists create personalized, multimodal care plans that may include:

Conservative therapies

• Physical therapy to strengthen supporting muscles and improve flexibility
• Medication management to reduce pain and inflammation
• Lifestyle modifications to reduce strain on the spine
  

Interventional therapies

• Joint injections and epidural steroid injections to reduce inflammation and relieve pain

These minimally invasive treatments can help restore function and reduce chronic discomfort, delaying or sometimes avoiding the need for surgery.

Get Relief from Degenerative Disc Disease

If you experience persistent back or neck pain, radiating nerve pain, or reduced mobility, CPC can provide comprehensive evaluation and advanced pain management treatments tailored to your needs.

Call us at 219-476-7246 or request an appointment online today to start managing your degenerative disc disease and improve your quality of life.