Degenerative Disc Disease
Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is a common condition that occurs when the spinal discs — the cushions between the vertebrae — begin to wear down with age. Despite the name, it’s not really a “disease,” but rather the natural breakdown of discs over time. For some, this process causes little to no pain. For others, it can lead to chronic neck or low back pain, stiffness, or nerve irritation.
Degenerative Disc Q & A
What causes degenerative disc disease?
Degeneration is most often a result of the normal aging process, but other factors may speed up disc breakdown, including:
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Loss of disc hydration — discs naturally lose water content, making them thinner and less flexible
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Repetitive stress from bending, lifting, twisting, or poor posture
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Herniated or bulging discs that weaken the disc wall over time
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Genetics — some people are more prone to early disc changes
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Injuries or trauma that accelerate wear-and-tear
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What are the symptoms of degenerative disc disease?
Symptoms vary depending on the location and severity of disc changes, but may include:
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Chronic neck or low back pain that may worsen with sitting, bending, or twisting
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Stiffness and reduced flexibility in the spine
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Radiating pain (radiculopathy) into the shoulders/arms (cervical DDD) or hips/legs (lumbar DDD)
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Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms or legs if nerves are compressed
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Flare-ups of pain lasting days or weeks, followed by periods of improvement
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How does Ashford Pain Solutions treat degenerative disc disease?
While lifestyle changes, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory medications are often first-line care, patients with persistent symptoms may benefit from interventional pain management. At Ashford Pain Solutions, treatment options include:
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Facet joint injections or medial branch blocks (MBBs) to relieve pain from arthritic facet joints that often develop with DDD
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Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for longer-lasting relief after MBBs
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Epidural steroid injections (ESIs) to reduce inflammation and pain caused by irritated spinal nerves
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Trigger point injections to ease muscle spasms that worsen pain
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Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) for patients with chronic disc-related pain who have not found relief with other treatments
When appropriate, our team also coordinates physical therapy to improve posture, core strength, and mobility — key factors in reducing stress on degenerating discs.
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Degenerative Disc DiseaseTreatment in Athens, GA
At Ashford Pain Solutions in Athens, GA, Dr. James Ashford — an interventional pain management specialist and board-certified anesthesiologist — provides advanced, minimally invasive treatments for degenerative disc disease. Our goal is to help patients reduce pain, restore function, and avoid unnecessary surgery.
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