By Doctor Joseph Locke, interventional orthopedic specialist

Degenerative disc disease and discogenic pain are two ways to describe the same thing. The condition degenerative disc disease is where the intervertebral discs in your spine gradually degenerate over time. It is a natural part of aging, but when the discs bulge or herniate, they can put pressure on your nerves and other tissues, causing pain, weakness, tingling, and other symptoms.

In most cases, discogenic pain can be treated adequately with non-surgical methods, such as pain medication, physical therapy, and exercise, but chronic discogenic pain that limits function may require surgery.

While a herniated or ruptured disc leaks out of the annulus fibrosus (outer portion), a bulging disc remains contained within the annulus fibrosus (inner portion) of a spinal disc. As a result of this protrusion or bulge, the nerve roots surrounding it can be pressured, causing pain that radiates down the arms or legs. In addition, when the disc is bulging, it compresses the spine joints due to loss of space and causes osteoarthritis of these spinal joints.

How does osteoarthritis affect the spine joints?

Among the several types of arthritis, osteoarthritis (meaning bone) is the most common, the most disabling, and the most painful. It mostly affects the hips, knees, feet, and spine since it is a weight-bearing disease. Due to the lubricated cartilage covering the bony surfaces, joints normally have little friction and move easily.

When the cartilage in the joint degenerates, it rubs against each other, causing inflammation with pain and the development of bone spurs. Joint linings may become swollen and inflamed and the fluid lubricant may become thin. In addition to being known as degenerative joint disease, osteoarthritis affects up to 30 million Americans of all ages and is often accelerated by labor professions and traumatic accidents.

What are the treatment options for degenerative disc disease and arthritis of the spine?

Many patients will seek conservative treatments with their primary care doctors. This can include, rest, anti-inflammatories, physical therapy, back massage to reduce muscle spasms, and muscle relaxer medications. However, this frequently only minimally helps as the degenerative disc disease and spine arthritis progresses. However due to the scientific break through in regenerative medicine, it is possible to heal these areas to slow down the chronic deterioration, and in some instances heal the tissues causing the pain entirely.

At Spectrum Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine Center, we are established leaders in this area. Regenerative medicine is a non-surgical option that helps prevent the need for surgery. It also is a natural option that is the most beneficial to the body. We have helped literally thousands of patients with osteoarthritis throughout their bodies, including the spine. Please contact our clinic for more information at www.spectrumhealthmedical.com.