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Lumbar Degenerative Disc Disease
Degenerative disc disease refers to a syndrome in which a damaged disc causes low back pain. Lumbar degenerative disc disease often starts with a twisting injury to the lower back, for example when a person rotates their body while lifting, or even swinging a golf club. The pain is also frequently caused by simple wear and tear on the spine.
Ddegenerative disc disease is fairly common. Researchers estimate that at least 30% of people aged 30-50 years old will have some degree of disc space degeneration, although many will experience no pain or ever receive a formal diagnosis. After a patient reaches 60, some level of disc degeneration is considered normal in healthy individuals. Where there are no symptoms, treatment is naturally unnecessary.
Most patients with lumbar degenerative disc disease will experience continuous but tolerable pain that will occasionally flare (intensify) for a few days or more. Pain symptoms may vary, but usually are:
- Pain centered in the lower back. Pain may radiate to the hips and legs
- Pain is often worse when sitting, as the discs experience a heavier load than when patients are standing, walking or even laying down
- Pain may be increased by certain movements, particularly twisting, bending, or lifting
Treatment
As with most spinal degenerative diseases, the first line of treatment typically involves medications and/or physical therapy. Chiropractic manipulation and/or steroid injections may also be tried. Surgery is normally considered only when the patient has not achieved relief over six months of conservative care and/or are significantly hampered in performing everyday activities. Surgical treatment of lumbar degenerative disc disease normally involves fusion of the discs involved.
Conclusion
Dr. Haid assesses the use of Minimally Invasive Spine Procedures where ever they may be appropriate. His experience in the area of lumbar disease is unexcelled. If you want to learn more about Dr. Haid's contribution to spinal surgery, you may wish to visit the Patents and Innovations or the Teaching the Next Generation areas of this website.
Is Spine Surgery Right for You?
Our self-diagnostic tool will help you to establish if your condition might be surgically treated by Dr. Haid.
Dr. Haid treats cervical and lumbar disease. His practice focuses on cervical artificial discs, anterior and posterior cervical fusion, laminoplasty, lumbar fusion, and minimally invasive spine surgery.
Artificial Disc or Cervical Fusion?
Dr. Haid is recognized as one of the nations’ leading spine surgeons. He was co-developer of the first artifical cervical disc approved for use in the United States. He is the developer of TWO cervical fusion systems used around the world.
There is quite simply no physician better qualified to guide you through this important medical decision or to perform your surgery.
Having Surgery in Atlanta
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