Spine disorders can cause pain in the upper body, a tingling sensation, back spasms, numbness, and other symptoms. A back doctor, like Dr. Carter at Regenerative Medicine and Orthopedics, provides treatment for spine conditions such as degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, and other debilitating disorders. Some treatments focus on pain relief, and others focus on restoration. Here is more information about treatments for common spinal issues:
Degenerative Disc Disease
Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is a common cause of back pain characterized by pain in the legs, neck, and buttocks, pain when sitting, bending, or twisting, and fatigue. DDD occurs when spinal discs wear because of an injury, bone spurs, herniated discs, or years of repetitive activities. Some risk factors include obesity, smoking, long-term bad posture, or a family history of musculoskeletal disorders.
Treatment
DDD treatment is often focused on pain relief because the disorder is hard to reverse. Patients can alleviate pain with anti-inflammatory medications, strengthen muscles with physical therapy, and replace the affected discs with artificial disc replacement surgery. At Regenerative Medicine and Orthopedics, we offer another treatment method called intradiscal platelet-rich plasma (PRP). During this procedure, Dr. Carter uses a small needle to inject platelets and growth factors into the affected disc or discs. The aim is to use your own platelets to stimulate collagen production and reduce inflammation, promoting healing and pain reduction.
Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis is an irreversible spine condition caused by arthritis, bone spurs, tumors, herniated discs, and spinal injuries. When spinal discs and joints deteriorate and bulge into the spinal canal, it narrows the canal, compressing and irritating the spinal nerves. Symptoms include:
- Tingling and numbness in the legs and arms
- Difficulty walking or standing
- Stiffness in the back
- Difficulty balancing
Treatment
In the early-mid stages, spinal stenosis can be treated without surgery. Pain caused by the compressed nerves can be managed with a variety of different medications, epidural steroid injections, or PRP. We also recommend combining these medical options with an exercise program that focuses on flexibility and strength.
Cervical Radiculopathy
Also known as a pinched nerve, cervical radiculopathy is irritation or compression of the nerve roots in the neck. It is caused by neck injuries, ruptured discs, arthritis, or bone degeneration. Those with a pinched nerve may feel radiating pain in the upper body, numbness or tingling in the arms, shoulders, and neck, or weakened reflexes. Risk factors include smoking, repetitive physical activity, and old age. To diagnose cervical radiculopathy, a back doctor may recommend an X-ray, MRI, EMG, or CT scan.
Treatment
Pinched nerves can heal without medical intervention. If symptoms persist, treatment may include pain relief medication, epidural spinal injections, immobilization, and physical therapy. PRP can also be helpful, especially when the condition is chronic. The recovery rate for nonsurgical treatment is 90%. Symptoms might return after treatment if the cervical spine discs degenerate.
Facet Syndrome
Facet joints stabilize and limit excessive motion in the spine, allowing bodies to flex and stretch without injury. Someone with facet syndrome may feel pain in their lower back, muscle weakness, radiating pain, stiffness, or headaches. Facet syndrome can be caused by:
- Degeneration due to age
- Trauma from whiplash
- Overuse from years of playing sports
- Long-term heavy lifting
- Obesity
Treatment
Facet syndrome treatment options include pain relief medications, physical therapy, steroid joint injections, and even PRP. This condition is hard to reverse, but with treatment, quality of life may improve.
Seek Help From a Back Doctor
An experienced back doctor treats spinal issues that can cause pain throughout the body. Conditions like degenerative disc disease and spinal stenosis can be treated with intradiscal platelet-rich plasma at Regenerative Medicine and Orthopedics. With Dr. Carter, patients receive complete care as the focus is not only pain relief, but also to restore function at the highest level possible. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation.