Degenerative Disc Disease Treatment Specialist in Rapid City, SD

Degenerative disc disease is a common condition where one or more of the discs in the spine have already started to deteriorate – usually due to age. It is a very common disorder that more often affects older people as most experiencing it are over the age of 60. However, there have been reports of younger people suffering from it too.

There are treatments available to help with the pain and discomfort; however, no known cure has yet been found. To be properly diagnosed with degenerative disc disease, lab testing, and image testing are required. If you are concerned for your health, then it is recommended that you get in contact with your healthcare provider. The condition can last several years or could be a lifelong battle.

When experiencing degenerative disc disease, there are some signs and symptoms that you need to know. Pain in the back or neck is the most common symptom reported. Depending on the placement of the weakened disc, however, other symptoms may include pain in the buttocks, thighs, or legs. Pain in the lower back is another symptom to be aware of. There is also known to be severe pain when sitting down, bending, or twisting, which can also be a prime indicator of the condition. 

Quite often people suffering from degenerative disc disease experience relief when walking or partaking in light exercises, such as swimming, sometimes even light yoga or stretching. The pain from degenerative disc disease may start small but can gain strength over time, interfering with the overall quality of life for the person suffering from it. Often degenerative disc disease can alter sleep patterns, sleep quality as well as sleep duration, and can even cause insomnia in some cases.

This interferes with day-to-day activities and the overall quality of life for the person suffering. When someone lacks efficient sleep, it interferes with everything else in their life – the number one being their immune system. Once the immune system begins to break down, the rest of the body does too. Not only does the person experience worse pain from their degenerative disc syndrome, but they also become more susceptible to illness. Other health issues that may already be present could worsen over time as well.

Though degenerative disc disease is not likely to kill you, it can still have complications after a prolonged period that should never be ignored. Certain complications can include blood clots in the legs, the reduction of flexibility in the back and neck, chronic pain syndrome (which can lead to an opiate dependence if not careful), osteoarthritis in the back, as well as anxiety and depression. If you suspect that you might be suffering from degenerative disc disease, it is always best to consult with your healthcare provider to get tested and to have them rule out any other potentially undiagnosed underlying issues.

Living with degenerative disc disease isn’t easy, but some things can be done to help prevent it from getting worse. Avoiding strenuous activities is a good place to start. Stay away from heavy lifting or anything that requires a lot of twisting or bending of the back. Maintaining a healthy body weight for one’s height is important too, so getting regular light exercise is always recommended. A good diet and ongoing exercise are also key to ensuring that your degenerative disc disease doesn’t get worse. If ever in doubt, always contact your healthcare provider for more tips and tricks.

Rapid City Interventional Pain Clinic offers treatment for degenerative disc disease. For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 101 E Minnesota St. Rapid City, SD 57701. We serve patients from Rapid City SD, Rapid Valley SD, Black Hawk SD, Box Elder SD, and surrounding areas.