Degenerative Disc Disease Los Angeles
The spine is an incredibly complex mechanism, and it does not take large changes to cause problems. As we age, many of our body’s structures change, including those that make up your spine. Some patients may begin experiencing pain as a result of their spinal discs deteriorating; this is called degenerative disc disease. Fortunately, modern and sophisticated medical techniques allow Dr. Yashar to help alleviate this problem for patients all over Los Angeles.
Dr. Yashar is one of the top spine surgeon in Los Angeles, and he has already helped countless patients achieve a more comfortable life. If you are living with the results of degenerative disc disease, don’t hesitate to call. You deserve to live your life to the fullest uninhibited by spinal problems. Call us today to learn more about treatment options and what we can do for you.
What Is Degenerative Disc Disease?
Degenerative disc disease is an age-related spinal condition. It occurs when one or more of your spinal discs breaks down. While most people will experience some form of bodily deterioration as we age, this condition is one that comes with significant pain, leading to a decrease in quality of life.
The name can be misleading, though. This condition is not actually a disease but a means of describing deterioration that has progressed to the point of causing symptoms. When your spinal discs, rubbbery tissue between your back bones, deteriorate you can experience a range of symptoms. Typically, these discs allow you to have flexibility in your back. If it were only bone, you would have little movement. In a way, they also act like shock absorbers.
But when they wear down, they do not offer protection and flexibility as they did before.
What Are the Signs of Degenerative Disc Disease?
Many patients will experience some form of degenerative disc disease, but their symptoms can be so mild they simply attribute it to the natural pains of aging. For others, their discs can wear down to the point where it causes significant and chronic symptoms. Some signs you may have this condition include:
- Weakness
- Numbness
- Pain
- Stiffness and loss of mobility
Typically, all three of these symptoms will radiate down one or both legs. Some might be chronic, while others might have “flare-up” moments where they intensify. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, we recommend coming in for an examination. The longer you wait to treat and spinal problems, the worse they can become. Not only will your symptoms intensify, but it will make treatment more difficult as well. Call Yashar Neurosurgery today to get started on taking back control over your life.
Degenerative Disc Disease Treatment Options
Fortunately, patients have a range of treatment options available. At Yashar Neurosurgery, we encourage non-operative treatments first. However, we also provide state-of-the-art back surgery options to alleviate your symptoms. During your personal consultation with Dr. Yashar, he will work with you to determine the best path of treatment for you. By looking at your symptoms and medical history, he will develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs. Treatment options include:
- Occupational therapy
- Physical therapy
- Special exercises
- Medications
- Lifestyle changes (e.g., losing weight)
- Surgery
- Localized injections (steroids or pain inhibitors)
What Causes Degenerative Disc Disease?
While age is certainly the main factor in developing this condition, there are several other things that could put you at a higher risk. Fortunately, most of these can easily be addressed through lifestyle changes and taking care of your body over the years.
Some risk factors include:
- Obesity: Higher body weight with a low muscle ratio puts more strain on your spinal discs, causing quicker deterioration.
- Strenuous physical work: An additional source of strain and stress on your spinal discs.
- Tobacco use: Yet another of the unhealthy effects of tobacco usage is that it can cause an increase in spinal disc deterioration.
- Sudden or acute injuries: Typical examples are falls or car accidents.
While there is no guaranteed way to avoid an accident, you can certainly cut out tobacco from your life. Furthermore, obesity can often be addressed through lifestyle changes or medical intervention. For those who have physically strenuous jobs, it can be difficult to switch careers. However, we advise looking for ways to decrease the strain on your spine during your work.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
If you are suffering from degenerative disc disease, you do not need to continue living in pain. Take the next step in achieving a life that you deserve by scheduling a consultation today. Dr. Yashar and his staff work closely with each patient to find the right solution for you. We look at your previous surgeries and evaluate what is the best path forward for you.
We look forward to working with you and helping you move toward a life of comfort and pain-free existence. Call us today to learn more about the treatments and procedures we offer. Fight back against degenerative disc disease and achieve a better state of being through Yashar Neurosurgery.
I REALIZED THAT DR. YASHAR GENUINELY CARES TO CURE HIS PATIENT, WHICH MAKES HIM AN EXCEPTIONAL DOCTOR IN THE CITY.
