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 New Jersey spine surgeon Robert A. Kayal is versed in a range of spinal disorders, including disc conditions and degenerative disc disease. While the severity and treatment of degenerative disc disease varies greatly, one thing common to the disorder is the significant impact the symptoms can have on patients’ lives. The team at Kayal Orthopaedic Center, PC specializes in diagnosing and treating degenerative disc disease and providing relief as soon as possible.
What is Degenerative Disc Disease?
Discs are small, rubber-like cushions that provide shock absorption and maintain spinal flexibility. Degenerative disc disease refers to the gradual deterioration of these discs. While degenerative disc disease sounds frightening, disc degeneration is actually a known consequence of aging. As you age, your spinal stability and cartilage strength decrease, which increases the risk of degenerative disc disease. In addition to the natural degeneration of discs, obesity, genetics, and smoking also impact the likelihood of degenerative disc disease. Injuries may also be a cause or factor in the onset of this disorder.
In many cases, people with deteriorating discs exhibit no symptoms. For those patients who do experience symptoms, the most common are pain, numbness, tingling and weakness. The pain may be exacerbated by sitting, standing, bending, or twisting. These symptoms can range from simply irritating to potentially disabling.
Degenerative Disc Disease Treatments
The spine and neck surgeons at Kayal Orthopaedic Center, PC provide expert treatment for patients with degenerative disc disease. Diagnosis starts with a thorough physical examination. Imaging tests (MRIs, x-rays) are also used, helping physicians identify a narrowing of the normal disc space between vertebrae. With these diagnostic tools, Dr. Kayal and his expert team determine the extent of the problem and develop the optimal treatment plan for each patient. In cases where the disorder is not significantly limiting a patient’s life and activity, conservative treatments may be the best option. Rest, exercise, and anti-inflammatory medication may resolve the issue. If degenerative disc disease is more extensive, surgical intervention may be required.
With convenient office locations in Ridgewood and Franklin Lakes, the board-certified orthopedic surgeons at Kayal Orthopaedic Center, PC treat spinal conditions in patients from Passaic County, Bergen County, Essex County, and Hudson County. Learn more about degenerative disc disease and other spinal disorders by visiting our patient information center, or by scheduling a spine consultation today.
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