Degenerative Disc Disease in Hudson, WI

It can, but not always. Some people experience gradual worsening, while others find that symptoms stabilize or even improve as the spine adapts. Progression varies widely from person to person.

Degenerative disc disease most commonly affects the lower back and the neck, as these areas bear the most stress and movement.

Yes. Smoking, poor posture, lack of exercise, and excess weight can all accelerate disc degeneration and increase symptoms.

Pain is often a dull ache or sharp discomfort in the back or neck. It may worsen with sitting, bending, or lifting, and can sometimes radiate into the arms or legs.

Activities that involve prolonged sitting, heavy lifting, bending, twisting, or high-impact movements can aggravate symptoms.

Gentle movement, walking, stretching, and low-impact exercises like swimming or yoga can loosen up stiffness and improve comfort. Changing positions frequently can also provide relief.

Yes. Its symptoms can overlap with conditions like herniated discs, spinal stenosis, arthritis, or muscle strain, which is why proper diagnosis is important.

Progression is typically slow and may take years. In many cases, symptoms come and go rather than steadily worsening.

Exercise is generally beneficial. Strengthening muscles that support the spine helps to reduce pain and improve function. However, high-impact or improper exercises may worsen symptoms.

Surgery is usually an option only when conservative treatments fail and symptoms significantly impact daily life, especially if there is persistent pain, nerve compression, or loss of function.

There is no cure, but many people successfully manage symptoms with conservative treatments and lifestyle changes.

Sleep on your back with a pillow under your knees, or on your side with a pillow between your knees to help reduce strain on your spine and improve comfort.

Yes, most people can continue working, especially with adjustments such as ergonomic workstations, frequent breaks, and modified activities.

Flare-ups can last from a few days to several weeks. With proper care, symptoms typically improve gradually over time.

Recovery is typically relatively quick. Most patients return to light activities within a few days and regular routines within a few weeks, although full pain relief may take several weeks to develop.

Recovery from intradiscal BMAC is usually short. Patients may experience mild soreness for a few days, with gradual improvement over several weeks as the regenerative process takes effect. Full benefits often develop over a few months.

Disc changes become more common after age 40, but not everyone develops chronic pain. Some people have visible degeneration on imaging and feel little discomfort, while others experience significant symptoms. Pain typically occurs when disc breakdown leads to inflammation, instability, or nerve irritation. A detailed evaluation helps determine whether the disc itself is the true source of your pain.

Neck and back pain can originate from discs, facet joints, nerves, or vertebral endplates. Our specialists review your symptoms, perform a focused physical exam, and analyze imaging, such as MRI, to identify patterns, such as disc collapse or Modic changes. This careful approach helps us target the actual pain generator rather than relying on generalized treatments.

Yes. Many patients improve with structured conservative care, interventional procedures such as Intracept, or regenerative options such as intradiscal therapies. We offer a broad range of treatments and build individualized plans designed to relieve pain, improve mobility, and protect long-term spine health.

The Intracept procedure is a minimally invasive treatment designed for patients with chronic low back pain linked to Modic changes on MRI. These changes indicate inflammation within the vertebral bone, which can irritate the basivertebral nerve. Intracept uses controlled radiofrequency energy to deactivate that nerve inside the vertebral body. It does not involve spinal fusion or implanted hardware. Candidates typically have persistent low back pain for at least six months and have not improved with conservative care.

Traditional injections reduce inflammation temporarily around joints or nerves. Intracept specifically targets vertebrogenic pain originating within the vertebral body. Because it addresses a distinct nerve pathway, it may provide longer-lasting relief for properly selected patients. Imaging confirmation of Modic changes is important for determining candidacy.

Intracept is performed by physicians who have completed specialized training in the procedure. Our practice is recognized as a Boston Scientific Center of Excellence for the Intracept procedure, reflecting our experience and commitment to treating vertebrogenic low back pain with precision.