Degenerative Disc Disease Treatment in Fort Myers
Degenerative disc disease describes changes that occur as spinal discs lose hydration, flexibility, height, or structural strength. Although some disc degeneration is common with age, it becomes a medical concern when it contributes to persistent pain, instability, or nerve compression.
Dr. Franco Vigna provides surgical, nonsurgical, and regenerative treatment options for cervical and lumbar degenerative disc disease.
Understanding Disc Degeneration
Healthy spinal discs absorb pressure and allow movement between the vertebrae. Over time, a disc may become thinner, less hydrated, and less capable of distributing force.
These changes can place additional stress on the surrounding joints and ligaments. Disc degeneration may also contribute to bone spurs, narrowing around the nerves, annular tears, or abnormal movement between vertebrae.
The term degenerative disc disease does not mean that the patient has an infection or contagious illness. It describes structural changes within one or more spinal discs.
Symptoms of Degenerative Disc Disease
Many people have disc degeneration without significant pain. When symptoms develop, they may include:
- Persistent neck or lower back pain
- Pain that worsens while sitting, bending, or lifting
- Stiffness and reduced mobility
- Recurring pain flare-ups
- Pain traveling into an arm or leg
- Numbness or tingling
- Weakness caused by nerve compression
- Pain associated with spinal instability
Symptoms depend on the location of the damaged disc and whether nearby nerves are involved.
Diagnosing Degenerative Disc Disease
Evaluation may include a physical examination, neurological testing, standing X-rays, and MRI imaging. Dr. Vigna compares the imaging with the patient’s symptoms to determine whether the degenerative changes are likely to be causing the pain.
A treatment recommendation should not be based solely on the appearance of a disc. The degree of degeneration, spinal alignment, nerve compression, mobility, and previous response to care must all be considered.
Treatment Options
Initial treatment may include physical therapy, medication, activity modification, therapeutic exercise, or injections. Regenerative or tissue based procedures may be considered for certain forms of lumbar disc related pain.
Potential advanced treatments include:
- VIA Disc NP
- The DISCSEEL Procedure
- Minimally invasive decompression
- Cervical or lumbar artificial disc replacement
- Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion
- Lumbar fusion
- Spinal reconstructive surgery
The procedure recommended depends on whether the primary problem is internal disc damage, nerve compression, painful movement, instability, or deformity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is degenerative disc disease a normal part of aging?
Some disc changes are common with age, but not everyone develops pain. Treatment is based on symptoms and functional limitations rather than imaging alone.
Can exercise help degenerative disc disease?
Can a degenerated disc repair itself?
Does degenerative disc disease always require fusion?
No. Many patients are treated without surgery. Depending on the condition, surgical alternatives may include decompression or artificial disc replacement.
Can degenerative disc disease cause sciatica?
Yes. Disc collapse, herniation, inflammation, or narrowing around a nerve can cause pain, numbness, or weakness extending into the leg.
Receive a Personalized Disc Evaluation
Contact OrthoKagan to schedule a consultation with Dr. Franco Vigna and explore treatment options for cervical or lumbar degenerative disc disease.