Degenerative Disc Disease

Degenerative disc disease refers to age-related wear and tear on the spinal discs that can cause pain, stiffness, and reduced flexibility. At Hudson Specialty Care, serving Cliffside Park, Elizabeth, and Edison, New Jersey, as well as Manhattan, New York, the team provides expert diagnosis and a variety of treatments — from conservative care to advanced minimally invasive procedures. Their approach focuses on reducing pain, improving mobility, and helping patients maintain an active lifestyle. To learn more, call the office or request an appointment online.

What causes degenerative disc disease?

Spinal discs act as cushions between the vertebrae, absorbing shock and allowing smooth spine movement. Over time, however, discs can lose water content, become thinner, and develop small tears. This degeneration reduces their ability to cushion the vertebrae, leading to pain, stiffness, and nerve irritation.

Risk factors include:

• Aging
• Repetitive strain or heavy lifting
• Poor posture
• Smoking
• Obesity
• Spinal injuries
• Genetic predisposition

What symptoms are linked to degenerative disc disease?

Symptoms vary depending on the location of the affected disc. Common signs include:

• Persistent neck or back pain
• Stiffness and reduced range of motion
• Radiating pain into the arms or legs when nerves are compressed
• Pain that improves when lying down but worsens with sitting, bending, lifting, or twisting
• Muscle spasms, tingling, or weakness in the extremities

How is degenerative disc disease diagnosed?

Diagnosis begins with a medical history review and physical exam to assess posture, flexibility, and nerve function. Your provider may test:

• Reflexes
• Muscle strength
• Sensation

Imaging studies like MRI or CT scans can reveal disc height loss, dehydration, or structural changes. In some cases, diagnostic injections help pinpoint the exact source of pain and confirm whether the disc is responsible for your symptoms.

What treatments help degenerative disc disease?

Hudson Specialty Care offers a wide range of treatment options tailored to each patient’s needs, from conservative approaches to advanced regenerative procedures:

Medication Management

• Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications

Physical Therapy

• Strengthens supporting muscles
• Improves flexibility and posture
• Reduces strain on the spine

Interventional Procedures

• Epidural steroid injections for inflammation and nerve-related pain
• Nerve blocks for targeted pain relief

Minimally Invasive Spine Procedures

Used when conservative care doesn’t provide sufficient relief. Techniques may include precision-based decompressions or discectomies.

Breakthrough Regenerative Options

Hudson Specialty Care specializes in advanced, non-surgical treatments to promote healing and restore disc function:

• Intradiscal Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP): Harnesses your body’s own platelet-rich plasma, rich in natural growth factors, to reduce inflammation and stimulate natural disc repair.
• DiscSeel® Procedure: A novel outpatient procedure using biologic fibrin sealant to seal tears and regenerate damaged discs. More than 12,500 patients have reported relief, with over 82% experiencing sustained improvement for 3+ years — without major surgery.
• Stem Cell Therapy: Uses your body’s own regenerative cells to repair tissue, reduce inflammation, and promote long-term healing.
• PRP Injections: Target damaged tissues around the spine to reduce inflammation and support healing.

How can patients slow the progression of degenerative disc disease?

While disc degeneration is a natural part of aging, lifestyle changes can help slow progression and reduce flare-ups:

• Maintain a healthy weight
• Stay physically active
• Practice good posture
• Avoid tobacco use
• Strengthen core muscles
• Use proper body mechanics when lifting

Hudson Specialty Care’s multidisciplinary team provides personalized strategies to help patients move comfortably and confidently.

To learn more about treatment options for degenerative disc disease, request an appointment online or call Hudson Specialty Care today.