8 Brick Plaza
Brick, NJ 08723
2. East Windsor
East Windsor Town Center Plaza
319 Route 130 North
East Windsor, NJ 08520
Wick Plaza
561 US Hwy 1 South
Edison, NJ 08817
Low back pain is the leading cause of disability worldwide. Experts estimate that 80 percent of Americans suffer from back pain at some point in their lives. While not everyone afflicted shows symptoms, lumbar degenerative disc disease can be extremely painful. If you’re experiencing pain in your lower back, you can benefit from professional diagnosis and treatment. Dr. Branko Skovrlj of NU-Spine in Edison, New Jersey addresses your lumbar degenerative disc disease for good. The facility has a state-of-the-art technology, and Dr. Skovrlj specializes in spine-related conditions. Call today for an appointment.
Lumbar degenerative disc disease is a chronic condition that results from osteoarthritis on your spine. It appears in the vertebral and intervertebral discs of the lower spine, otherwise known as the lumbar spine. As you age, these discs naturally dry out. Eventually, osteoarthritis develops, forming bone spurs on the vertebrae. The combination delivers chronic pain that needs medical attention.
Although similar to lumbar degenerative joint disease, degenerative disc disease is confined to the disc rather than the entire joint. While the condition can develop without symptoms, most people begin to notice pain or stiffness in their lower back after sitting for long periods of time or following strenuous activity.
If you’re suffering from lower back pain, it’s time to visit Dr. Branko Skovrlj at Spine Center in Edison, New Jersey. An experienced, dedicated spine specialist, Dr. Skovrlj offers a wide range of minimally-invasive surgery. He’s an expert in complicated surgeries as well, since he’s devoted his career to spinal medicine.
As the name implies, lumbar degenerative disc disease is a degenerative condition, meaning your discs deteriorate to some extent over time. The discs undergo significant wear and tear over your lifetime, whether you’re very active or mostly sedentary. Although usually a result of age, the disc disease can also develop from repetitive motion occupations or hobbies. Other factors that contribute include:
Spinal discs aren’t made of bone. Instead, they’re pads that help cushion your spinal vertebrae. These discs have a tough outer layer, called the annulus fibrosus, and a soft inner jelly-like interior, called the nucleus pulposus. If the outer layer cracks or ruptures, the inner material seeps out, which weakens the disc and can impinge on a nearby nerve.
While some people remain asymptomatic, symptoms can appear at any time. You may start to notice symptoms when you’re in your 30s and 40s. If you’re suffering from lumbar degenerative disc disease, you may experience a range of symptoms in varying degrees of severity, including:
When your back pain continues for more than a couple days, you need to get it checked out by an experienced spine doctor. The earlier you catch a degenerative disease, the better your chances of reducing its impact on your lifestyle and activities.
Initially, your general practitioner may prescribe a line of basic treatments for lower back pain to deal with the inflammation and discomfort you’re feeling. You may be directed to first try a combination of at-home and prescribed treatments, such as:
If these treatments don’t relieve your pain sufficiently or if your lower back discomfort keeps returning, then it’s time to visit Dr. Skovrlj to find a more permanent solution. Depending on your condition’s severity, there are several treatment options to choose from, including the two most common surgical methods used to treat your condition:
If you’re suffering from lower back pain, don’t hesitate to contact NU-Spine in Edison, NJ. Dr. Skovrlj is an expert in the field and can accurately diagnose your condition. Then he can offer lumbar degenerative disc disease treatment options. Contact the specialist today to set up your initial consultation.
References:
1. Mayo Clinic Health System. Degenerative Disk Disease:
https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/locations/mankato/services-and-treatments/neurosurgery/spine-conditions-and-treatments/degenerative-disk-disease
2. Michigan Medicine. Lumbar Degenerative Disease:
https://www.uofmhealth.org/conditions-treatments/cmc/back-neck-and-spine-conditions/lumbar-degenerative-disease
3. American Chiropractic Association. Back Pain Facts and Statistics:
https://www.acatoday.org/Patients/What-is-Chiropractic/Back-Pain-Facts-and-Statistics/Back-Pain-Facts-and-Statistics
8 Brick Plaza
Brick, NJ 08723
East Windsor Town Center Plaza
319 Route 130 North
East Windsor, NJ 08520
Wick Plaza
561 US Hwy 1 South
Edison, NJ 08817
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1376 State Route 36
Hazlet, NJ 07730
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