Approximately 40% of adults over the age of 40 experience degeneration of at least one spinal disc (1).
For many people, degenerative disc disease is part of age-related “wear and tear.” It occurs due to the thinning of the shock-absorbing discs in the spine, usually gradually. In many cases, degenerative disc disease can develop on one side of the disc due to stress and damage. However, many times, stress occurs at multiple levels throughout the spine at the same time. In this case, degenerative disc disease is classified as multilevel degenerative disc disease. While this condition is not technically a disease, it is common in people over the age of 50 who also exhibit a tendency to physical exertion, strenuous exercise, stress, excessive alcohol consumption, etc.
Rediscover pain-free living at our advanced pain care clinics in Austin and other prime locations across Texas. Our physicians are dedicated to getting you back your passion for active, healthy living. Don’t wait, schedule a consultation today to explore multi-level degenerative disc disease treatment that is personalized for your condition.
Degenerative disc disease causes and symptoms
Intervertebral discs provide padding between vertebrae. While the outer layer is hard, the inner layer of the disc is gel-like. Together they provide cushioning for the spine when it bears weight or performs any movement.
While age-related “wear and tear” is the most common cause of degenerative disc disease, the stress of even small repetitive movements can gradually cause damage and destabilize the spine. Beyond this, there are other causes that may lead to advanced multilevel degenerative disc disease. They include:
- Structural deterioration of the intervertebral disc – Tearing may occur on the outside, causing the softer inner disc to bulge
- fluid loss from the spinal discs – This is again a result of the aging process, where the liquid content may decrease and reduce the cushioning effect
In addition, cartilage degeneration, spinal canal narrowing, and disc herniation can also lead to degeneration at multiple levels of the disc.
Those who are prone to obesity, engage in excessive drinking or smoking, participate in strenuous labor or strenuous exercise, and suffer sudden/acute injuries are at greater risk.
Pain that gradually worsens and spreads is the most common symptom of multilevel degenerative disc disease; however, there are other symptoms you should be aware of, such as:
- severe stinging pain
- pain radiating to the buttocks, legs, or upper limbs
- Reduce pain when lying down or moving frequently
- The pain of shooting and traveling
- Pain with any movement that involves the spine
- Stiffness and pain caused by prolonged posture
- Weakness in limbs
- Tingling throughout the limbs
- numbness
Multilevel Degenerative Disc Disease Treatment in Pain Relief Institute of America
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms or are over the age of 50, make an appointment with a pain care specialist at Pain Relief Institute of America. We will begin with a thorough physical evaluation, including imaging studies to check for signs of degeneration.
Treatment of multilevel degenerative disc disease at Pain Relief Institute of America Center begins with conservative management, including pain medications, simple exercises, physical therapy, rest, and dietary modifications. While these steps can help stop progression or help reduce symptoms, the degeneration that has already occurred cannot be reversed.
If conservative treatments don’t seem to be working, your doctor may recommend multi-level degenerative disc disease surgery.
The most common surgical procedures performed to treat this condition in pain care clinics Includes the following:
- spinal fusion – The diseased/damaged disc is removed and the vertebrae are fused together using screws, plates or rods. When performed at multiple levels, it affects the range of motion of the spine.
- disc replacement surgery – Repair the intervertebral disc to replace the damaged disc.
Physical therapy for multiple degenerative disc diseases can also help reduce pain and improve movement. It includes exercises and treatments to strengthen the back muscles and support the spine. Our physical therapy center is located in round stone It has helped many patients control degenerative disc disease through treatment and care.
Not only can these surgeries help reduce pain and improve range of motion, they can also strengthen and restore stability to the spine. Talk to our experts to explore the right treatment for your condition.
prevention tips
Multilevel degenerative disc disease treatments can only help halt the progression of the disease and reduce symptoms.
Adopting a healthy lifestyle and taking the right preventive measures as you age can go a long way toward preventing the onset of degenerative disc disease. These can include:
- Incorporate movement into your daily life to improve balance, stability and flexibility
- maintain an active lifestyle
- Change your eating habits to include plenty of fresh produce rich in protein and healthy fats
- Includes nutritional supplements to ensure your body is getting adequate nutrients essential for body function
- stay hydrated
Get the relief you deserve with professional pain management
At Pain Relief Institute of America, we have a team of experts, including neurosurgeons and pain management physicians, who work together under one roof to provide you with the best care and treatment options. Pain Relief Institute of America Center in Austin, Texas has multiple specialties working together to provide you with everything you need, all under one roof. Whether you suffer from an acute or chronic illness, whether you need a simple procedure to relieve pain and symptoms or a more complex surgical procedure, we can help you from the moment you come in for a consultation.
We treat conditions related to age-related wear and tear, repetitive motion of joints, overuse of extremities, trauma and injuries.
Pain Relief Institute of America accepts insurance coverage from different network operators. Click here to check if your insurance provider is listed. We also have a patient portal that provides easy access to all our facilities, including prescriptions and bill payments. Additionally, you can refill your prescription or request your records online if needed.
We have multiple centers in Austin, Amarillo, and Waco/Killeen, as well as advanced surgery centers in Round Rock, Austin, Killeen, and Amarillo. You can contact us through our main line, or check our website for contact information for specific centers.
refer to
(1) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23074480/
Dr. Mark T. Malone
Mark T. Malone, MD, is a board-certified pain specialist and native Texan. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at Austin and went on to attend the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School. Dr. Malone attended Baylor College of Medicine… View Profile
