Back pain is by far the most common type of pain that patients in the United States face. Back pain has become such a problem that it now accounts for the second most visits to hospital emergency rooms, surpassed only by the flu. While there are many causes of back pain, two of the more common culprits are herniated discs and degenerative disc disease. At Specialty Pain Management, our team of back pain specialists brings decades of combined experience in back pain management, including for patients with both degenerative disc disease and herniated discs. We’ll explore both causes of back pain to help you understand their differences and the available treatment options for each.
Herniated Disc Back Pain Causes and Treatments
Herniated discs are one of the leading causes of back pain worldwide. Throughout the spine, there are soft intervertebral discs that separate individual vertebrae of the spine, working to absorb shock and friction. While these discs have a tough outer layer, their centers contain a soft, jelly-like substance that can protrude if the outer layer is damaged or degenerated. When this happens, patients can experience pain and other symptoms, such as:
- Pain radiating into an arm or leg (radiculopathy/sciatica)
- Numbness or tingling
- Muscle weakness
- Pain that worsens with coughing, sneezing, or prolonged sitting
Some of the common causes of herniated discs include:
- Heavy lifting
- Twisting injuries
- Repetitive bending
- Sudden trauma
- Age-related disc changes
Herniated discs sometimes require surgery, although often less invasive treatment options are able to provide patients with the pain relief they are looking for. Epidural steroid injections can reduce inflammation of nearby nerves, and other injection-based therapies, like selective nerve root blocks, can also be effective. If you suspect that a herniated disc may cause your back pain, Specialty Pain Management’s team of back pain specialists can help you explore all of your treatment options.
Treatments for Degenerative Disc Disease
The gradual breakdown of intervertebral discs in the spinal column causes degenerative disc disease. While anyone can be diagnosed with this condition, it is much more common in older adults, as intervertebral discs naturally lose their strength over time. Like a herniated disc, degenerative disc disease causes patients pain and other symptoms including:
- Chronic aching neck or back pain
- Morning stiffness
- Pain that worsens after prolonged sitting or standing
- Intermittent flare-ups
There are a variety of treatment options available for degenerative disc disease, including:
- Epidural steroid injections
- Facet joint injections
- Radiofrequency ablation
- Physical therapy
In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary to provide you with the level of pain relief you are looking for, but for many patients, these minimally invasive treatment options are able to help them manage pain and other symptoms caused by degenerative disc disease. Specialty Pain Management can walk you through all of your treatment options for degenerative disc disease to help you find one that meets your individual pain management goals.
Find Answers and Relief From Back Pain at Specialty Pain Management
If you’re dealing with a troubling case of back pain and aren’t sure what is causing your symptoms, Specialty Pain Management’s back pain specialists can help you get the answers you need. To schedule your first appointment, contact our patient care coordinator today to take the first step towards managing your back pain.