Degenerative Disk Disease DDD

Degenerative Disk Disease

Cervical, Thoracic, and Lumbar Spine — Patient Information

Degenerative spine disease is a common condition that develops gradually with age and daily use of the spine. While the term may sound concerning, it usually reflects natural wear and tear, and most patients do not need surgery. When treatment is needed, it is tailored to symptoms, function, and overall spinal stability—with a strong focus on effective, minimally disruptive care.

What is degenerative spine disease?

Degenerative spine disease refers to age-related changes affecting:

• Intervertebral discs (loss of height or hydration)

• Facet joints (arthritis-like changes)

• Ligaments (thickening or stiffness)

• Spinal alignment and motion

These changes can sometimes narrow the space for nerves, leading to pain or neurological symptoms.

By spinal region

Cervical spine (neck)

Degeneration in the neck may cause:

• Neck pain or stiffness

• Pain radiating to the shoulders or arms

• Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the hands

• In advanced cases, balance or coordination problems

Many cervical degenerative changes are stable and manageable without surgery.

Thoracic spine (upper and mid-back)

Degenerative disease in the thoracic spine is less common and often mild.
Possible symptoms include:

• Localized mid-back pain

• Rarely, nerve or spinal cord-related symptoms

Most thoracic degenerative changes are treated conservatively.

Lumbar spine (lower back)

This is the most commonly affected region.
Symptoms may include:

• Lower back pain

• Pain radiating to the buttocks or legs

• Numbness or weakness

• Symptoms worsening with standing or walking and improving with sitting

Imaging findings often appear more severe than symptoms—and images alone do not determine treatment.

How is it diagnosed?

Diagnosis includes:

• Careful clinical assessment

• X-rays to evaluate alignment and stability

• MRI to assess discs and nerves

• CT scans in selected cases

The focus is on correlating imaging findings with actual symptoms and function.

Treatment approach — conservative first, surgery only when needed

Non-surgical treatment

Most patients improve with:

• Education and activity modification

• Physiotherapy and posture optimization

• Pain management strategies

• Targeted injections in selected cases

These options are often highly effective.

Surgical treatment (only when necessary)

Surgery is considered when:

• Symptoms persist despite adequate conservative treatment

• There is significant nerve compression

• Neurological function is threatened

Importantly:

• Surgery does not always mean fusion

• Motion-preserving and minimally invasive techniques are preferred when appropriate

• Fusion is reserved for clear instability or specific indications

Our Goal: effective, minimal, spine-preserving care

• Treat symptoms, not images

• Preserve natural spinal motion whenever possible

• Use minimally invasive techniques to reduce tissue damage

• Aim for faster recovery and long-term spinal health

The goal is maximum benefit with minimal structural disruption.