Degenerative Disc Disease
Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is not actually a disease — it’s an umbrella term for the changes that happen in the spinal discs, most often in the neck (cervical) or lower back (lumbar), though any area of the spine can be affected. At Rocky Point Stem Cell Therapy, stem cell therapy is used alongside other treatments to help manage degenerative disc disease and support the health of the affected discs.
With age, discs naturally lose hydration and this process is called degenerative disc disease. Although the condition can worsen over time, it often improves with proper treatment. It is important to remember that not all cases of disc degeneration cause back pain or other symptoms, and the degree of degeneration varies greatly from person to person.
Causes of Degenerative Disc Disease
- Degenerative disc disease is caused by a variety of factors, including reduced disc fluid, which can lead to narrower, thinner discs and cracks and tears in the annulus, or outer disc capsule.
- This can reduce flexibility in the spine and increase the risk of developing this condition.
- The disc’s inner nucleus is prone to leak out or rupture into fragments due to cracks caused by age or injury.
- Age-related degeneration can cause disc damage and lead to disc bulging or rupture.
- Traumatic accidents may also contribute to degenerative disc disease.
- Lower back pain is one of the most common symptoms. It may begin as a mild ache but can become more severe and frequent over time, and it is usually heightened when seated and aggravated by bending, lifting, and twisting.
Degenerative Disc Disease: Treatment Options
- Treatment for degenerative disc disease ranges from mild to more extensive measures, depending on the severity of the condition.
- Physical therapy and exercise provide relief from pain and pressure, allowing discs to receive vital nutrients.
- Heat and ice can reduce inflammation and stimulate blood flow to promote natural healing.
- Combined, these methods create a comprehensive approach to treating disc problems and relieving pain.
- A range of medications is available to help manage back pain, including prescription drugs and epidural steroid injections.
- Chiropractic manual manipulation can reduce pressure on the nerves and surrounding tissue, providing relief from pain.
- Surgery may be recommended as a last resort for certain cases of chronic or severe back pain.
Stem Cell Therapy for Degenerative Disc Disease
- Stem cell research is being studied as a promising avenue for managing degenerative disc disease.
- Stem cells have the potential to work in two directions: to help slow further degeneration and to support renewal of the affected disc. Transplanted stem cells can transition into disc cells, which may help support healthier disc tissue over time.
For a deeper look at how inflammation specifically drives degenerative disc disease pain, and how stem cell therapy is designed to target that inflammation at a biological level, see our in-depth guide: How Stem Cell Therapy Targets Inflammation in Degenerative Disc Disease. You can also view our Stem Cell Back Repair Treatment, or browse all of our Musculoskeletal stem cell therapy options.
