Degenerative Disc

Degenerative Disc Disease

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Degenerative Disc Disease(DDD) (also known as Chronic Spinal Degeneration) can affect any part of the spine, although common sites are the lumbar (lower back) and cervical (neck) spine; thoracic (mid-back)  DDD is very uncommon.

X-ray findings show a narrower disc space and some bony growth or spur formation. As we age, these changes tend to show up on the x-rays of most men and women. MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) will show these changes even before x-rays. Loss of water content in the spinal discs is an early finding.  As the disc loses water, it gets thinner; this narrowed disc can cause nerve pinching and joint pain.  As the aging processes continues, the prevalence of DDD increases.

Causes and Risk Factors of Degenerative Disc Disease
Degenerative disc disease can result from trauma (either acute or chronic/repetitive), infection, or the natural processes of aging.

Symptoms of Degenerative Disc Disease
The process of degeneration of the spine can lead to local pain, stiffness, and restricted activity. If there is also a disc bulge or herniation, there could also be pain, tingling or numbness into the legs.

Treatment of Degenerative Disc Disease
MOVEMENTand FLEXIBILITY are key in treating someone with DDD.
As part of a comprehensive treatment program (which would include stretching, and other activity), spinal decompression can be very effective in treating the symptoms resulting from degenerative disc disease.

"I can go shopping and do all of my everyday activities without pain - for the first time in years"

Jean came in - upset, frustrated, and with her back pain gradually getting worse.  Her chief presenting complaint (as we docs would put it) was... she could not go shopping with her girl friends" at Nordstrom's.  She was in so much pain that when she was walking, she had to stop and sit down and rest every five minutes.  She just couldn't "keep up".  Here's Jean:
 
"For years, whenever I walked more than five minutes, I would have excruciating low back pain. This was from severely degenerated low back spinal joints. It was so painful that I could not go shopping, I couldn't cook; I couldn't even stand. My life was miserable - I basically had to force myself to go anywhere or to do anything.

Then, I found out about Dr. Rosenstein and the DRX 9000. He carefully explained how the treatment would gently stretch my low back, which would help the back pain. And I am so glad I got started. Now I can stand long enough to take a long shower (instead of a shower just two minutes long),. Most importantly, I can go shopping and do all of my everyday activities without pain - for the first time in years. "

- Jean De Philippo; San Francisco

So  - How do I get started?

Contact me at (415) 686-9119 (or email me at drmatt1@aol.com) to schedule your free, initial one hour consultation.  We will go over all of your x-ray and MRI reports, review your physical findings and discuss in depth your treatment options.

One of the problems that I frequently see is that the people who come in for consultations with severe problems have NEVER had a chance to really "get it explained" from a doctor. Well, here is your opportunity to finally get a clear picture of what is going on with your spine, to learn about your treatment options and to have the time with a doctor to actually get all of your questions answered.

Oh - and please feel free to bring a spouse, relative or friend to your consultation.  It's always good to have a a friend with you to better evaluate our services.

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