Disc Disorders

Your spinal discs sit between the bony vertebrae of your spine. They act as cushions and absorb shock so you can move freely. When these discs deteriorate or slip, you’ll need expert orthopedic care to relieve your symptoms. That’s why Goshen Orthopedics offers a diverse range of treatment options for disc disorders, including degenerative disc disease.

With physical therapy and minimally invasive surgery, our orthopedic and sports medicine team can take care of your back and spine problems. Whether you have a work-related injury or a chronic condition that causes your disc disorder, we’re trained, experienced and ready to help. Call (574) 534-2548 to schedule an appointment.

What causes disc degeneration and disc injury?

As you age, your chances of experiencing a disc disorder increase. With normal wear and tear, spinal discs lose their strength and flexibility and lead to disc degeneration. Weakened spinal discs are more prone to disc injuries, including slipping, tearing and in extreme cases, completely collapsing.

With disc degeneration and injury, your spine no longer has the cushioning support it needs, which can cause back pain and immobility.

Other risk factors for disc disorders include:

• Smoking
• Being overweight, which puts stress on your spine
• Improper lifting
• Overuse injuries

Symptoms of a disc disorder

It’s possible to have a disc disorder and not feel pain. Severe pain is more likely if there’s disc degeneration or herniation.

Along with pain in the neck or back, you may experience:

• Stiffness in the spine
• Numbness, tingling or weakness in the arms and legs
• Pain that radiates down the arm, leg, ankle or foot

Treating disc injury and generation at Goshen Orthopedics

Nonsurgical treatment is often effective for healing disc disorders.

Your pain management may include:

• Injections
• Medication to reduce inflammation, a main source of pain in disc disorders
• Physical therapy, which can teach you how to protect your back and strengthen its muscles
• Electrical stimulation
• Rest and icing the affected area
• Psychological support

Talk to your provider about which disc disorder treatment is best for you.