Degenerative Disc Disease Treatment Options

Degenerative disc disease is a common part of the aging process, as nearly everyone develops degenerated discs as they grow older. 

When spinal discs develop tears, individuals often suffer from pain and numbness, but when there are no leaks, no symptoms are present. Most degenerative discs start as a single tear that worsens over time, eventually leading to disc degeneration. It’s a prevalent issue, with MRI and CT studies showing that most people over 60 exhibit some form of disc degeneration. This condition frequently results in chronic back pain and a loss of disc height as the discs continue to deteriorate. 

As orthobiologics make progress in treating spinal conditions like degenerative disc disease, medical professionals are exploring options like stem cells and platelet-rich plasma. However, when the outer part of the spinal disc (annulus fibrosis) is compromised, these biologics may not effectively target the treatment area. The Discseel^® Procedure, using a fibrin biologic, successfully seals the compromised annular tears, enabling the body to recover naturally. This approach also opens the door for other biologics, such as platelet-rich plasma and stem cell therapies, to complement the Discseel^® Procedure.

The potential for lasting relief from this debilitating condition lies within the innovative approach of the Discseel^® Procedure.

Degenerative disc disease can occur anywhere in the spine, but most commonly develops in the lower back. The symptoms you experience will depend on where your degenerated discs are located but can include:

• Back pain ranging from mild to severe
• Pain radiating to the buttocks and thighs
• Pain that is worse when sitting, bending, lifting, or twisting
• Pain that improves when changing positions frequently
• Periods of varying pain, from a few days to a few months
• Numbness in the extremities
• Weakness in the legs or feet
• Muscle spasms or tension
• Loss of balance

Degenerative disc disease is primarily a result of the natural aging process, but several factors can contribute to its development or progression, including:

• Aging: The discs between the vertebrae naturally degenerate and lose their cushioning ability as people get older.
• Genetics: A family history of degenerative disc disease may increase the risk of developing the condition.
• Smoking: Smoking is associated with accelerated disc degeneration.
• Injury or Trauma: A history of back injuries or trauma can lead to premature disc degeneration.
• Repetitive Stress: Jobs or activities that involve repetitive heavy lifting or twisting motions can increase the risk.
• Obesity: Excess body weight places additional strain on the spine and can accelerate disc degeneration.
• Improper Posture: Poor posture and ergonomics can contribute to spinal stress and disc wear.
• Spinal Instabilities: Conditions like spondylolisthesis or other spinal irregularities can contribute to disc degeneration.
• Lack of Physical Activity: A sedentary lifestyle can weaken the muscles that support the spine and accelerate disc degeneration.
• Nutrition: Inadequate nutrition can impact the health of the discs.

Before you can be treated for degenerative disc disease, you need to be diagnosed. If you’re coming here with a diagnosis, you’re one step ahead!

A diagnosis can be obtained from your doctor with a medical history, a physical exam, and certain forms of imaging tests such as an MRI. Once you have a diagnosis, treatment options can be explored.

Standard treatment for degenerative discs usually consists of exercise or physical therapy in order to increase the strength and flexibility of the muscles around the spine. This increases blood flow to the spine as well. Other conservative treatments may include medication, steroid injections, hot and cold therapy, and spinal mobilization(s).

Typical surgical options include spinal fusion, discectomy, and artificial disc replacement.

Although some of these procedures have had success treating some if not all symptoms of degenerative disc disease, the Discseel^® Procedure has consistently outperformed them.

This procedure is also significantly less invasive than surgical options, has a much shorter recovery time, and allows patients a greater range of motion than a spinal fusion, discectomy, and artificial disc replacement.

The Discseel^® Procedure prompts the body to heal itself without the use of metal hardware or removal of tissue, has a low risk of long-term complications, and eliminates the risk of opioid dependency.