Degenerative Disc Disease

Commonly associated with aging and/or natural wear and tear on the body from physical activity, degenerative disc disease refers to the deterioration and weakening of a spinal disc such that it protrudes into the spinal canal. More specifically, when the outer ring of a spinal disc weakens, the inner portion can slip out of place. This herniated disc, as it is called, can then place pressure on the nerves and muscles surrounding the spine, causing pain, numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness. Degenerative disc disease can also be an underlying reason for a bulging disc which only involves the outer layer of cartilage. 

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When non-surgical treatments do not provide relief, surgery may be recommended, which can be performed as either minimally invasive surgery or traditional open surgery. Depending on the nature and severity of the condition and deterioration of a spinal disc, various minimally invasive decompression surgeries may be used, including laminectomy, fusions, laminotomy and discectomy, to name a few, and can be performed on an outpatient basis. In traditional open surgery, spinal fusion can be utilized to remove degenerated discs or portions of a disc and permanently join one or more vertebrae in the spine.