Risk Factors for Degenerative Disc Disease & Prevention Tips

The spine plays a key role in supporting and protecting our bodies. Unfortunately, like the rest of our body, it suffers from wear and tear. This is especially true for the spinal discs. Between each spinal vertebrae rests a protective disc. These intervertebral discs act shock absorbers and protect the spinal cord. They also contribute to the spine’s movement and flexibility. Spinal discs have two main parts. The inner layer (or nucleus pulposus) contains a gel-like fluid that helps to absorb shock. The outer layer (or annulus fibrosus) surrounds the nucleus pulposus. It is made of a strong, fibrous cartilage that gives structure to the disc. A healthy annulus fibrosus keeps the inner layer from leaking out of the disc. It also distributes pressure during the body’s movements. As we get older, these discs tend to get weaker and damaged, a process known as disc degeneration. What is Degenerative Disc Disease? Degenerative disc disease involves the natural wear and tear of intervertebral discs. It occurs most commonly in the neck or lower back. As we age, the cartilage in these discs starts to degrade. This causes their water and protein content to decrease. As the discs start to shrink, the reduced space between the vertebrae can cause pain and other symptoms. The shrinking of the disc causes instability in the surrounding muscles, ligaments, and joints. Time is needed for the spine to adjust to the damaged disc. The adjustment period usually involves low to moderate discomfort with occasional flare-ups of more intense pain. In time, the area of the spine begins to stabilize and symptoms decrease. Symptoms of Degenerative Disc Disease Symptoms of this condition vary depending on the location and severity of the damaged disc. Some with this condition may not experience any symptoms. Others may have severe pain as well as neurological issues. Symptoms often occur when there is instability in the spine, irritation of a nerve root, or muscle tension in the area. Common symptoms include: Continuous pain in the affected area Occasional, more intense “flare-ups” of pain that last several days or weeks Muscle pain or spasms Sharp, stabbing, or radiating pain Reduced pain when changing positions Symptoms for degenerative disc disease in the neck include: Neck stiffness Pain in the neck that radiates to the arms and hands Decreased range of motion in the neck Numbness and tingling in the fingers and hands Increased pain while looking down for too long Symptoms for degenerative disc disease in the lower back include: Pain in the low back, thighs, or buttocks Tenderness in the back Pain that worsens when sitting and lessens when walking or moving Discomfort when lifting, bending, or twisting Feeling a sudden instability or weakness in the back during quick movements Weakness in leg muscles Other concerns related to degenerative disc disease include: Painful inflammation may develop when the proteins of the disc come into contact with other nearby spinal structures. Disc degeneration can lead to spinal stenosis, osteoarthritis, and pinched nerves. A damaged

Preventing Lower Back Spasms

There are many possible causes for why people experience lower back spasms. Such culprits include muscle overuse, poor posture, and strains from heavy lifting. Sometimes, the spasms and accompanying pain recur or worsen over time. In such cases, it is important for the patient to see a doctor for an assessment as soon as possible. Lower back spasms feel like the muscle is firmly moving and/or contracting. That being said, a lower back spasm may also feel like a dull ache that moves. In addition, other people may notice a sharp pain in a specific area, or any combination of these sensations. With lower back spasms, pain often radiates to other locations of the body, such as the legs or hips. Causes of Lower Back Spasms Lower back spasms often result from inflammation or physical injuries. However, it is also possible for a relatively minor cause (like a mild strain) to lead to lower back spasms. In some people, a more severe underlying medical condition may be responsible. Herniated or ruptured discs, for example, are known to cause lower back spasms. The most common causes for lower back spasms are: Lack of exercise The vast majority of people in the United States are not spending enough time exercising. Today, it is very common for people to go through most of their day sitting down at a desk. Long periods of inactivity like this weakens the back muscles over time. When the lower back tries to make up for this weakness, it causes painful muscle spasms. Poor Posture This one goes hand-in-hand with the section above. Just as most people spend the majority of their day at their desk, most people also have poor posture while doing so. If a person spends most of their day sitting at a desk with bad posture, it can lead to spasms. Many people in this situation will try to adapt their posture to compensate for this. Unfortunately, this often makes the problem worse. Strains/Sprains A strain is a tear in a tendon or muscle, while a sprain is a ligament injury. Either way, both soft tissue injuries cause lower back pain and muscle spasms. Overstretching an area or suffering a fall often causes strains and sprains. Furthermore, muscle overuse sometimes causes a sprain or a strain. These types of injuries often heal on their own, but they may cause pain for several weeks. Muscle Overuse In addition to causing strains, muscle overuse may trigger muscle spasms for several days. Sometimes, people experience post-exercise pain. This type of pain is called delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). This commonly occurs in people who are trying new exercises. Nerve Damage Injuries or conditions that damage the nerves in the back can cause spasms and pain. In some cases, even nerves that carry signals to the back are affected. The most common form of nerve damage is radiculopathy (or a pinched nerve). This is the result of compression, inflammation, or injury to a nerve root located in the

Preparing for Knee Surgery

Knee surgery can help to relieve pain and immensely improve a person’s quality of life. In fact, knee surgeries are extremely common procedures, with millions of knee replacement surgeries being performed in the United States every year. Like the knee replacement, a knee arthroscopy is another very common surgical procedure that is used to resolve knee pain. Before the procedure, you will need time to mentally and physically prepare for knee surgery. Planning ahead of time can greatly help the process of surgery and recovery. A prepared person will naturally experience a much smoother, faster recovery than a person who doesn’t plan ahead. In this article, we will discuss useful tips that will help you get ready for your procedure. Communicate With Your Doctor Basically, the more you and your doctor know, the better. Communication is a key part of preparing for surgery. Ask your doctor questions. You may want to know things such as: What type of anesthesia will the surgeon use? How will I be admitted to the hospital? Will the surgeon use an implant or prosthesis? If so, what kind? How long will I be in the hospital before I can go home? How long is the recovery period expected to be? What are the ways in which I can manage my pain after the procedure? Of course, these are just a few examples. You should really just ask whatever comes to mind. After all, it is your body. Do not hesitate to speak up or voice concerns if you do not understand a certain part of your treatment. You may also wish to consider asking about potential complications with your procedure. With that being said, if your surgery is minimally invasive, the complications should generally be limited. Your Personal & Medical Information Before surgery, many different people will ask you many different questions about all kinds of things. They will ask you about your medical history, legal arrangements, insurance coverage, and so on. This may seem annoying at first, as you will feel as though you are repeating yourself frequently. However, rest assured. Repeating yourself is the best thing you can do to meet insurance guidelines and quality assurance. In your spare time, find a moment to gather a list of your personal and medical information. This will speed up the process greatly and ensure that your healthcare team has all the information they need. The more they know about you, the more likely you are to get better care. Here are a few things you may want to list: Names, phone numbers, and addresses of all your current doctors and why you see them The contact information of the family member or friend who will accompany you for the procedure and hospital stay Any pre-existing medical conditions you may have, such as asthma, diabetes, anemia, or high blood pressure. Talk to your doctor about this checklist so that no important details are left out. Any surgical procedures that you have had in the past (even

The Most Common Sports Injuries

Some people love the thrill of competition and the challenge of pushing their physical limits. If you are one of these people, then you’ve probably had a day or two when you pushed it too far. Maybe you felt soreness the next morning. Or, perhaps you’ve already spent some time in a doctor’s office. Although you can’t avoid every setback, understanding common sports injuries will make you more aware of your body’s limitations. Play hard. Don’t give up. But, be mindful of the ways you can get injured. Muscle Strain or Sprain Some of the most common sports injuries involve a muscle sprain or strain. Though these conditions share similar symptoms, the terms are not interchangeable. A strain involves a torn or damaged tendon, the soft tissue that connects muscle to bone. In contrast, a sprain is caused by overstretched or damaged ligaments that connect bones at the joints. Both types of injuries are common during physical activities like running, lifting, falling, or sudden jarring movements. When suffering a sprain or strain, symptoms may include: pain, swelling, and limited movement. Strained muscles usually involve the back, neck, thigh, or the back of the lower leg. Sprains typically occur in the ankle, knee, wrists, hands, or fingers. In many cases, strains and sprains heal with rest and ice. Anti-inflammatory medicines can also help. You may want to see a doctor if you’re experiencing significant pain, numbness, or can’t move the affected joint. Tennis or Golfer’s Elbow Don’t let the names fool you: just about anyone can acquire these unwanted elbow conditions. They result from overuse or repetitive movements that cause a tendon in the elbow to become damaged and inflamed. These injuries are common for those who participate in throwing activities, racquet sports, weight lifting, and other gripping activities. Those who have tennis elbow feel pain on the outside of the elbow. In contrast, pain from golfer’s elbow is felt on the inside of the elbow. Symptoms include discomfort when gripping or lifting an object, tenderness in the elbow, and pain that radiates to the wrist or fingertips. Conservative measures like rest, anti-inflammatory medications, and even massage will help with these symptoms. Groin Pull The groin is the area between the abdomen and thigh. A groin pull injury involves the adductor muscles of the thigh, which allow you to open and close your legs. This injury occurs while kicking, turning quickly, running, or jumping. Symptoms of a groin pull include pain in the inner thigh, swelling, bruising, difficulty walking or running, and decreased upper leg strength. In most cases, this injury isn’t serious and can be treated with conservative measures to reduce pain and swelling. Shin Splints Shin splints occur when there is inflammation to the tendons, muscles, and bone tissue around the tibia (shinbone). The inflammation develops after a drastic change in an exercise routine or when the leg becomes overworked by repetitive activity. Runners typically develop shin splints. Any athlete who plays a sport that requires running or repetitive

man climbing mountain after neck surgery

ADR, ACDF, or Microdiscectomy: Which is Right for You?

If your neck pain is the result of a herniated disc or degenerative disc disease, then conservative treatments may provide only temporary relief. Consulting with an orthopedic doctor can provide minimally invasive options, such as microdiscectomy, that boast successful results. You know you want the best treatment, but all the complex medical jargon can be overwhelming. Understanding the common procedures for neck pain is crucial to making an informed decision about your treatment. Although cervical spine surgery can be scary, know that advances in medical technology have made these procedures safer and more effective than ever. When Do I Need These Procedures? In between each bone of the spine lies a protective cushion called a disc. These discs help our bodies absorb the shock from everyday movements like running, walking, and jumping. In addition, discs protect the spinal column during falls and other traumas. Each disc has a tough, fibrous membrane that encloses an elastic core. A damaged disc usually occurs due to age, disease, or injury. In many cases, the elastic core breaks through the outer membrane, affecting the surrounding nerves. If the inner core causes the outer membrane to tear or rupture, it can put pressure on the spinal cord. This results in pain, weakness, and numbness in the neck that could extend to other parts of the body. When a disc is damaged, surgical treatments are available to resolve the problem. Understanding the Procedures Listed below are the three common procedures that are available for treating neck pain. We’ve included the pros and cons of each procedure to help you make your most informed decision. Anterior Cervical Discectomy & Fusion Surgery (ACDF) For this procedure, the orthopedic surgeon makes a small cut in the front of the neck to remove the damaged disc. Then a bone graft is placed where the disc was removed to stabilize the area and help the vertebrae to fuse together. In time, the two vertebrae fuse into one continuous strip in the area where the disc was removed. ACDF is the most common method for treating issues related to degenerative or herniated discs. Pros: ACDF has proven success rates at around 90% for relieving neck pain and other symptoms. By performing spine surgery through the front of the neck, surgeons have easier access to the spinal column. This makes the surgery minimally invasive and results in a shorter hospital stay and quicker recovery times. Cons: ACDF can cause Adjacent Segment Disease—an overloading of the spine near the site of the fusion. This can lead to bone spurs, spinal stenosis, or other issues. Studies suggest that this can occur in up to 25% of patients who receive fusion surgery. Fusion surgery is irreversible. You can’t choose to get another procedure, such as artificial disc replacement, after the bone grafts are set. Artificial Disc Replacement (ADR) A more recent trend for treating neck pain involves replacing the damaged disc with an artificial alternative. Like ACFD, the surgeon uses an incision at the front of

Our Best Exercises to Relieve Neck Stiffness

Oftentimes, we don’t even realize how much we use our necks until we develop neck pain and stiffness. In many cases, neck stiffness isn’t a cause for major concern. By being mindful of our posture, personal habits, and performing neck stretches regularly, we can even avoid neck stiffness altogether. Your neck is the bridge between your brain and the rest of your body. It houses the cervical spine allowing your brain to communicate with all your organs and body parts. In addition, the neck contains muscles and ligaments that support your head and its movements. In our modern culture of screen time and desk jobs, neck stiffness is fairly common. NJ Spine & Ortho is here to help you understand your symptoms and your treatment options. Symptoms of Neck Stiffness Stiff neck symptoms are pretty straightforward. Many feel an annoying soreness or shooting pain while turning their heads in a certain direction. Other times, the pain may be more intense, limiting your neck movement. This decreased range of motion often affects everyday activities. For example, if turning your head becomes painful, then driving becomes a lot more dangerous. This is because you probably aren’t checking your blind spots properly. Since the neck connects to other areas of the body, symptoms can travel. Some people experience shoulder pain or headaches. Others experience muscle spasms in the neck and/or shoulders. When neck stiffness symptoms don’t go away after a few days or become even worse, it may be time to consult a doctor. Other causes for concern include pain that spreads to the arms or legs and that includes numbness or muscle weakness. Causes of Neck Stiffness Chances are, after sleeping the wrong way or spending too much time on your favorite device, you feel a tightness while turning your head. Usually it goes away after a couple of days. However, sometimes the source of your neck pain and stiffness points to a more serious condition. Here are some common causes of neck pain: Muscle Strain or Sprain: In addition to prolonged screen time, repetitive or intense exercises can also be the culprit. Poor Posture: Hunching your shoulders while standing, walking, or sitting often weakens the neck and/or shoulder muscles. Injuries: A quick jolting movement to the neck often results in some stiffness. For example, whiplash from getting rear-ended in your car is a common source of neck injury. Excessive Stress: Stress affects the body in many different ways. Muscle tightness and rigidity in the shoulders and neck can be due to chronic stress. Meningitis: This condition involves the inflammation of protective membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. Nuchal rigidity, or the inability to flex the neck forward, is a common symptom. This is a serious condition that needs immediate attention. Degenerative Disc Disease: A protective layer rests between each bone in the spinal column helping to absorb shock and protect the spine. When these discs become damaged, especially in the cervical spine, neck pain and stiffness occurs. Exercises to Relieve Neck Pain

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