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Early Signs of Degenerative Disc Disease
Degenerative disc disease (DDD) isn’t really a disease — it’s a condition that occurs when the discs between your spine’s vertebrae gradually wear out, lose hydration, and become less effective at absorbing shock.
As board-certified interventional pain specialists at SamWell Institute for Pain Management, Dr. Jay M. Shah and Dr. Kevin Ko combine their expertise with state-of-the-art treatments to help you manage DDD and reclaim life without pain.
Here’s how to recognize early signs, understand what’s happening in your body, and learn what we can do to help.
What degenerative disc disease really is
Your spinal discs act like cushioning shock absorbers. Over time — or after injury — they lose water content, weaken, and develop tears or cracks in their outer layer. That causes the discs to thin and collapse a bit, which can put pressure on nerves or nearby joints and create inflammation or bone spurs.
These changes can cause pain, stiffness, and neurological symptoms, depending on where the disc is affected.
How to tell if you have degenerative disc disease
The signs of DDD could also point to other spinal problems, but Drs. Shah and Ko can determine a lot by how you describe your symptoms.
Pain that worsens with sitting or bending
Discs bear more pressure when seated or leaning forward, aggravating nerve irritation or inflammation.
Stiffness or limited spinal mobility
As discs dry and lose flexibility, movement becomes more difficult and painful to perform.
Pain radiating to the buttocks, thighs, arms, or hands
When a disc compresses a nerve root, it can cause pinched-nerve symptoms in limbs.
Numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness
Pressure on nerve roots may interfere with nerve signals, leading to sensory or strength changes.
Episodes of intense pain alternating with pain-free periods
DDD pain often flares up and subsides, lasting from weeks to several months, sometimes without clear triggers.
If these sound familiar, it’s not uncommon — and it’s a signal to get evaluated early.
What causes degenerative changes?
Several factors contribute to disc degeneration:
- Aging dehydrates discs and reduces nutrient exchange
- Genetics may influence collagen structure and inflammation in your discs
- Smoking, extra weight, repetitive strain, or heavy lifting may accelerate wear-and-tear
- Past injuries can weaken your discs and initiate inflammatory changes
Early detection and intervention can slow progression and prevent worsening symptoms.
How we treat DDD
At SamWell Institute for Pain Management, we focus first on nonsurgical treatments that relieve pain and restore function, so our approach may include:
- Image-guided spinal injections (epidural steroid injections) to reduce inflammation and nerve irritation
- Physical therapy to strengthen supporting muscles and improve spinal alignment
- Radiofrequency neurotomy or facet joint treatments for joint-related inflammation
- Spinal cord or dorsal root ganglion stimulation for nerve pain that persists despite other therapies
- Minimally invasive techniques such as MILD or Vertiflex for spinal stenosis or disc collapse
Our goal is always to relieve pain without surgery whenever possible, while empowering you with knowledge and movement strategies to support long-term spine health.
Proactive steps you can take
Everyday lifestyle choices can make a big difference in how quickly disc degeneration progresses. Here are some evidence-based recommendations:
- Use proper lifting mechanics and avoid prolonged sitting
- Add daily core-strengthening and flexibility exercises
- Maintain a healthy weight and stay active
- Quit smoking if you currently do
- Listen to your body and seek treatment when pain persists longer than a few weeks
Degenerative disc disease is common — but it doesn’t have to define your life. Dr. Shah and Dr. Ko lead a team specializing in targeted, minimally invasive solutions to help you manage pain, maintain movement, and sustain quality of life.
If you suspect you might be developing early disc degeneration, don’t wait. Schedule a consultation at SamWell Institute for Pain Management in Colonia or Livingston, New Jersey — call us or book online — and let’s get you back to living pain-free.
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