This generally describes a group of symptoms that may be caused by an acute spinal injury or the gradual wear and tear of spinal discs. As people age, the spinal discs in the human body may undergo changes. The discs may thin, crack or dry out. The soft cartilage core in the disc may bulge out through the outer portion of the disc.
Degenerative disc disease can cause numbness, pain, or weakness. It is characterized by sharp and or chronic pain in the neck and back. Sometimes, the body may react and develop bony growths called bone spurs. This may take up room needed by the surrounding nerves and spinal cord to move freely in the spinal canal. The individual may experience weakness in the legs or arms and numbness in the leg if the nerves in the spine become compressed (pinched).
Dr. Bryan begins degenerative disc disease treatment through proper diagnosis. This may include an x-ray, MRI, or CT scan. He then proceeds to create an effective individual plan to help patients get back to full fitness and free from pain.