What is Lumbar Degenerative Disc & Joint Disease in the Spine? Ryan E. Schnetzer, MD

The following is a transcription of the above interview with Dr. Ryan Schnetzer. Dr. Schnetzer discusses lumbar degenerative disc and joint disease in the spine and how this painful condition is treated at OrthoGA.

What is Lumbar Degenerative Disc and Joint Disease?

My name is Dr. Ryan Schnetzer. I’m an Orthopedic Spine Surgeon here at OrthoGeorgia, and today we’re going to talk a little bit about lumbar degenerative disc and joint disease in the spine. Symptoms of a degenerative disc or joint disease in the spine are primarily back pain, but it can also be leg pain in a sciatic-type pattern. A lumbar degenerative disc is exactly like it sounds; it’s a disc in the lumbar spine – of which there are five. The L5-S1 and the L4-L5 are the bottom two and are the most common. When they become degenerative, or as we get older, they can collapse down. Here you see the discs are nice and tall, but as we get older and as they wear out, they will collapse down. 

You also can wear out the facet joints, which are the small joints in the back that allow movement of the spine. These also can lead to significant back pain, when you have that. Also, as your discs degenerate, they may degenerate with one side more than the other which can lead to a curvature, or what we call a degenerative scoliosis. 

How is Degenerative Disc Disease Treated?

Primarily, we like to start with conservative treatment, again, with oral anti-inflammatories – over-the-counter such as Tylenol or Ibuprofen. We do have some prescription choices. We can also do a steroid dose pack or an intramuscular steroid injection. Other options are epidural steroid shots and facet injections. We can start with some physical therapy to help with mobility and strengthening of our paraspinal muscles to offload some of the stress. 

Surgical Options for Degenerative Disc and Joint Disease

If it does come to surgery, there are several different options. There are minimally invasive options where we can come in and do laminectomies. Sometimes it does require a fusion, but it all depends on the symptoms and the pathology of the spine. If you’ve failed conservative treatment or if you’re having severe pain or weakness in your legs, that’s a sign that we should look at some sort of surgical intervention. So, call OrthoGeorgia if you’re having any back pain or leg pain.

Spine Specialists in Central GA at OrthoGeorgia

At OrthoGeorgia, our Spine Center of Excellence team is made up of board-certified and fellowship-trained spine surgeons, pain management specialists, and spine rehabilitation specialists, each dedicated to the needs of every patient. Those facing all manner of neck, spine, and back conditions and injuries can trust our experts to deliver comprehensive care with each patient’s needs at the forefront of their care plan. To schedule an appointment in Macon, Warner Robins, Kathleen, Milledgeville, or Dublin, GA, please contact the office location nearest you today.