Degenerative Disc Disease Treatment in NJ

Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is one of the most common causes of chronic back and neck pain in adults. Despite its name, it’s not actually a disease — it’s a natural condition where spinal discs wear down over time. At Awake Spinal Fusion in Edison, NJ, Dr. Alok Sharan, MD, MHCDS provides expert diagnosis and treatment for degenerative disc disease, from conservative management to advanced minimally invasive surgical solutions.

What Is Degenerative Disc Disease?

Your spinal discs are the soft, compressible cushions between the vertebrae in your spine. They act as shock absorbers, allow the spine to flex and bend, and maintain spacing between the vertebrae.

As you age, these discs gradually lose their water content, becoming thinner, less flexible, and less effective at cushioning the vertebrae. This process is degenerative disc disease. While everyone’s discs degenerate to some degree with age, not everyone experiences pain. When the degeneration causes chronic pain, instability, or nerve compression, it becomes a clinical condition that may require treatment.

DDD most commonly affects the lumbar spine (lower back) and cervical spine (neck), as these areas of the spine undergo the most motion and stress.

How Disc Degeneration Progresses

Disc degeneration typically follows a predictable pattern:

1. Dehydration: Discs lose water content, reducing their height and shock-absorbing ability
2. Tears and cracks: Small tears develop in the outer wall (annulus) of the disc
3. Disc collapse: The disc loses height, bringing vertebrae closer together
4. Bone spurs: The body grows bony projections (osteophytes) to stabilize the spine
5. Nerve compression: Bone spurs or collapsed disc space can compress nearby nerves

Symptoms of Degenerative Disc Disease

Symptoms vary greatly from person to person. Some people with significant disc degeneration on imaging have no pain, while others with mild degeneration experience severe symptoms:

• Chronic low back pain or neck pain that may be dull and constant or sharp and intense
• Pain that worsens with sitting, bending, lifting, or twisting
• Pain that improves with walking, changing positions, or lying down
• Pain flare-ups that last days to weeks, then subside
• Radiating pain into the buttocks, thighs, or arms (if nerves are compressed)
• Numbness or tingling in the extremities
• Muscle weakness in the legs or arms
• Stiffness in the spine, especially in the morning
• Instability — feeling like the back is “giving out”

Risk Factors for Degenerative Disc Disease

• Age: The primary risk factor — most people over 40 show some disc degeneration
• Genetics: Family history plays a significant role in how quickly discs degenerate
• Smoking: Reduces blood supply to discs, accelerating breakdown
• Obesity: Extra weight increases mechanical stress on the spine
• Occupation: Heavy physical labor, repetitive lifting, or prolonged sitting
• Previous spine injury: Trauma can accelerate disc degeneration
• Sedentary lifestyle: Lack of exercise weakens supporting muscles

Diagnosis

Dr. Sharan uses a comprehensive approach to diagnose DDD:

• Medical history: Detailed discussion of symptoms, duration, and aggravating/relieving factors
• Physical examination: Range of motion testing, neurological exam, palpation of the spine
• MRI: The most valuable imaging tool — shows disc hydration, herniations, nerve compression, and the overall condition of each disc
• X-rays: Reveal disc space narrowing, bone spurs, and spinal alignment
• CT scan: Detailed bone imaging when needed
• Discography: In select cases, an injection into the disc to reproduce and confirm the pain source

Non-Surgical Treatment

Most patients with degenerative disc disease can be managed effectively without surgery. Dr. Sharan creates personalized treatment plans that may include:

Physical Therapy

The cornerstone of DDD treatment. A structured PT program focuses on core strengthening, spinal stabilization exercises, flexibility training, and posture correction.

Medications

• NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen) for pain and inflammation
• Acetaminophen for mild to moderate pain
• Muscle relaxants for spasm-related pain
• Gabapentin or pregabalin for nerve-related pain

Injections

• Epidural steroid injections: Reduce inflammation around compressed nerves
• Facet joint injections: Target pain from arthritic facet joints
• Medial branch blocks: Diagnostic and therapeutic injections for facet joint pain

Lifestyle Modifications

• Weight management to reduce spinal stress
• Regular low-impact exercise (walking, swimming, cycling)
• Ergonomic workspace setup
• Smoking cessation
• Anti-inflammatory diet

When Surgery Is Needed

Surgery may be recommended when:

• Conservative treatments have been tried for 6+ months without adequate relief
• Pain significantly impacts quality of life, work, or daily activities
• Progressive neurological symptoms develop
• Imaging shows severe disc collapse or instability

Surgical Options

Minimally Invasive Spinal Fusion

The most common surgical treatment for DDD. Spinal fusion removes the damaged disc and fuses the adjacent vertebrae together using bone graft and instrumentation (screws and rods). Dr. Sharan performs this through small incisions using tubular retractors, minimizing muscle damage and speeding recovery.

Artificial Disc Replacement

For select patients, the damaged disc can be replaced with an artificial disc that preserves motion at that spinal segment. This may be preferable for younger, active patients with single-level disease.

Awake Spinal Fusion

Dr. Sharan’s pioneering awake spine surgery technique allows fusion procedures to be performed while the patient is awake under local anesthesia and light sedation. This eliminates risks of general anesthesia, enables same-day discharge, and significantly reduces recovery time.

Laminectomy with Fusion

When DDD has caused spinal stenosis, a laminectomy combined with fusion can decompress the nerves while stabilizing the spine.

Living with Degenerative Disc Disease

DDD is a chronic condition, but it doesn’t have to control your life. Key strategies for managing DDD long-term:

• Stay active: Regular exercise is the single most important thing you can do
• Maintain a healthy weight: Every pound you lose reduces spinal stress
• Practice good posture: Proper alignment reduces disc pressure
• Strengthen your core: Strong abdominal and back muscles support the spine
• Don’t smoke: Smoking accelerates disc degeneration
• Manage stress: Chronic stress can amplify pain perception
• Sleep well: Use a supportive mattress and proper sleeping positions

Frequently Asked Questions

Is degenerative disc disease serious?

DDD is a common, age-related condition and is usually not serious. However, it can cause significant pain and disability if left untreated. Early intervention with conservative care can prevent progression and maintain quality of life.

Can degenerative disc disease be reversed?

Disc degeneration cannot be reversed, as discs do not regenerate. However, the symptoms can be effectively managed, and in many cases, the pain stabilizes or improves over time as the body adapts.

What age does degenerative disc disease start?

Disc degeneration begins as early as your 20s, but most people don’t develop symptoms until their 40s, 50s, or later. By age 60, some degree of disc degeneration is present in most adults on imaging studies.

Should I avoid exercise with DDD?

No — exercise is essential for managing DDD. Low-impact activities like walking, swimming, and stationary cycling strengthen supporting muscles and improve disc nutrition. Avoid high-impact activities and heavy lifting that stress the spine.

What is the success rate of spinal fusion for DDD?

Spinal fusion has a success rate of approximately 80-90% for well-selected patients with DDD. Dr. Sharan’s minimally invasive and awake surgery techniques further improve outcomes with faster recovery and fewer complications.