Alexandre B. de Moura, M.D., FAAOS
Cervical Lumbar Spine Specialist, Medical Director
Degenerative Disc Disorder (DDD) can affect any part of the spine, but often affects the low back (lumbar spine) or neck (cervical spine). Where you pain is located will depend on what part of your spine has the disc degeneration. At the New York Spine Institute, we are dedicated to providing our patients with a number of accessible and convenient treatment options for Degenerative Disc Disorder. Our offices are home to some of the best back and neck doctors, surgeons, and physical therapists in the industry. We are proud to offer our patients the care they deserve.*
No matter your symptoms, past medical history, or lifestyle, NYSI promises to create a comprehensive treatment customized just for you. From physical therapy to surgery, our team is here to provide high quality care.
Alexandre B. de Moura, M.D., FAAOS is New York Spine Institute’s leading medical director. Back doctor’s at NYSI are industry leaders in complex spine disorder treatments with decades of experience.
New York Spine Institute provides back pain services to patients form all over the world. Our professional staff speaks several languages including Spanish, Portuguese, French, Italian, German, and Russian.
Cervical Lumbar Spine Specialist, Medical Director
Degenerative Disc Disease is when the normal wear and tear on your spine begins to cause you pain. You spinal vertebrae are shock absorbers that help you stay flexible. As you age the normal breakdown of these disc make cause pain or discomfort.*
Degenerative Disc Disease as the condition states is caused by the aging process. Although this is a natural process. Sudden injuries or trauma to the spine can also spark the onset of this condition. There are several risk factors that can influence the onset of symptoms later in life such as:
*Family history of DDD
*Excessive strain and wear due to sports
*Labor-intensive jobs, heavy lifting
*Obesity- excessive extra weight on joints
*Smoking cigarettes and other tobacco products
Disc degeneration is a common part of getting old, however, not all people develop pain or any type of symptoms. Symptoms tend to show themself when spinal instability, muscle tension, and possibly nerve root irritation. It is also common that back pain that is due to DDD is more severe for individuals between ages 30 and 40 than past age 60 years of age.
Cervical, Lumbar, Adult & Pediatric Scoliosis and Spinal Deformity Specialist
Diagnosing Degenerative Disc Disorder is typically done in two stages. First a review of your medical history including a review of when symptoms began, past injuries, sleeping patterns, and a family history. Following this portion, there’s a physical examination. One of our NYSI doctors will test your range of motion, check for any areas of tenderness, and any spots where there could be inflammation. One of our spinal specialists can help locate the segment of your spine suffering from disc regeneration.
At our office we offer imaging services, this condition, depending on the severity, may require an MRI scan to ensure that other issues are not contributing to painful symptoms, such as a fracture or disc herniation. If surgery is needed, an imaging test is required before any procedures to accurately locate the degenerated disc and plan the surgery. Our MRI technician Alexandra Inglima will make sure your experience is smooth and stress-free. Set up your consultation today to learn about the steps you can take.
Cervical, Lumbar, Adult & Pediatric Scoliosis and Spinal Deformity Specialist
Treatment options for Degenerative Disc Disorder vary patient to patient and the severity of their symptoms found in the consultation. At New York Spine Institute, we aim to giving you the most appropriate treatment options, and put surgery on the table as a last possible option. Physical Therapy is a form of therapy we offer used to encourage mobility and movement, decrease pain, restore function and prevent disability in patients with injuries or impairments.* This is achieved through the use of modalities, active and passive stretching, engaging in an exercise program and manual therapy. Michael Friar D.P.T will provide you with the proper treatment options based off your previous examinations. You will receive an exercise plan while in our offices, and a regiment for when you’re at home.
NYSI offers alternative treatments such as acupuncture and medications such as muscle relaxants, antidepressants, or anti-inflammatory drugs to ease symptoms. We like to offer surgery as a last resort option. If you’ve tried non-invasive approaches for your DDD for a long period of time without results, consult one of our NYSI doctors to discuss the best options for you.