What Is Adjacent Segment Disease?
Adjacent segment disease is a complication that sometimes develops after spinal fusion surgery, causing ongoing pain and degeneration in the affected area. Because the fused segment no longer moves normally, the sections directly above and below it often absorb additional stress over time. This increased demand can accelerate wear and tear in the nearby discs, facet joints, ligaments, and soft tissues.
Symptoms of adjacent segment disease can vary according to the location, ranging from neck pain, stiffness, and headaches to lower back pain and muscle tightness. Without treatment, some individuals might develop a herniated disc, facet joint irritation, or spinal stenosis. At the Center for Regenerative Sports & Spine Care, we offer a variety of nonsurgical treatments focused on improving spinal support and helping your neck and back move more efficiently as a whole. Led by Dr. Mairin Jerome, a specialist in musculoskeletal care, we use minimally invasive techniques and cutting-edge regenerative solutions to help patients in the Atlanta, GA area struggling with adjacent segment disease and other back issues.
While adjacent segment disease is most commonly associated with past spinal surgery, it can also develop as a result of disc degeneration, scoliosis, and other causes. If you've noticed stiffness or pain that seems to radiate from your back, schedule an examination with Dr. Jerome to find out more about what might be causing it and what can be done to help provide relief.
Adjacent segment disease is just one of the neck and back conditions we specialize in treating at the Center for Regenerative Sports & Spine Care. View the full list of common neck and back conditions we provide treatment for here.
How Do You Treat Adjacent Segment Disease?
During your consultation, Dr. Jerome will learn more about the symptoms you're experiencing, assess your range of motion and areas where you're noticing discomfort, and use x-ray imaging to locate any potential problems, including disc herniation, spinal stenosis, or inflammation.
Treatments for adjacent segment disease at our Atlanta, GA office are designed to help calm irritation and support your body's ability to recover. In addition to physical therapy, Dr. Jerome may recommend trigger point injections to ease tension, shockwave therapy to break down scar tissue and stimulate blood flow, and prolotherapy or orthobiologic injections to support areas that have weakened or started to break down. Each patient's treatment plan is personalized based on their medical history, the degree of degeneration, and how their condition is affecting their life.
What Are the Benefits of Treatment for Adjacent Segment Disease?
Adjacent segment disease is not necessarily a sign that spinal fusion surgery has failed, and it can often be managed without surgery. Our nonsurgical spinal treatments at the Center for Regenerative Sports & Spine Care can help ease pain and improve mobility, offering benefits that include:
- Reducing excessive stress on areas around the affected segments
- Improving spinal support and stability
- Decreasing pain caused by strain in adjacent joints, discs, and soft tissues
- Improving comfort with standing, walking, bending, and prolonged sitting
- Helping the spine distribute force more evenly
- Supporting healthier movement mechanics to limit further spinal degeneration
Center for Regenerative Sports & Spine Care Reviews
Dr Jerome is incredibly thorough and knowledgeable! She took time to speak with me about all treatment options and how to eliminate my pain. She not only got me moving again, she got my life back! I highly, unequivocally recommend Dr Jerome!
I met with Dr. Jerome after experiencing difficulties with stiffness in my back and legs which was creating difficulty walking. Prior to meeting with Dr. Jerome I met with several doctors including a Neurologist who diagnosed me with spinal stenosis and suggested trying some PT but was told there wasn't anything that could be done and this will be your new normal. I had a friend recommend seeing Dr. Jerome for a second opinion after the success he saw with his daughters and wife who had their own issues and their success. Dr. Jerome met with me and spent well over an hour evaluating my X-Rays and MRI's and determined the root cause and said that there wasn't any reason for my issues to be my new normal! She conducted 2 surgeries using my own blood platelets which improved my mobility and my life drastically! During that same evolution she identified an issue with my hip which had deteriorated and was developing bone spurs (no other doctor caught or identified that issue) she said that the damaged hip was beyond anything she could do to repair and suggested seeing a surgeon for a 2nd opinion. She was right and I recently had my hip replaced! In closing I have to say that in my 58 years of life I have never met with a doctor who spent as much time and focus with me in order to try and improve my circumstances and my life. Dr. Jerome in my opinion is the best doctor I have ever interacted with! I would highly recommend her to any friend, family member, or anyone for that matter! Any patient with the good fortune of having Dr. Jerome in their corner will be blessed with someone who truly cares for them and is the best at what she does! Forever grateful! Rob Edgeton West Des Moines, IA.
On Feb 20, 2023, I had my first appointment with Dr Mairin Jerome at Regenexx in Des Moines IA and on March 27, 2023. I was impressed by her inquiries into my health, she examined my knee, finding the pain areas with her hands and used a ultra sound to get a better idea of my knee. (It was so very different then my Ortho physician who took x-rays and stood across the room and told me I needed two complete knee replacements and when did I want to schedule it, I felt like I’d been hit by a 2 x 4). I had platelets a prolotherapy injection; into my R knee and lower back. I was amazed after two days I had low to no pain, I only used only two pain pills. I was told what every step of the procedure was and asked if I understood, Dr Jerome called that evening to check on how I was doing, I felt supported and she knew what was going on with my PT on my follow up visit. Dr Jerome went above and beyond what she needed to do to make me comfortable. On Sept 20, 2023 I had a stem cell procedure done on my L knee and it went as easily as the first procedure. There were extra stem cells so she put them into my L hip, sweet! Again, I feel Dr Jerome took that extra measure of patient care. I am sensitive to medications and usually take half of what is prescribed, she ‘listens’ and prescribed my pain meds in a smaller dose so that I didn’t have to deal with breaking pills up. For me it’s the little gestures that make a doctor great. Dr Jerome is an excellent doctor, I and many others in Des Moines, will miss her as she goes back east to practice. Kathleen McLean (age 73)
Dr. Jerome got to the root of my issues was able to treat my spine comprehensibly. Enjoyed her humor and patience with my veins! Very sad to see her leave Des Moines!
Dr. Jerome is very professional, attentive and caring. She takes the time to listen not only with her ears but her eyes and heart as well. She noted symptoms I didn't realize I had. She provided personal follow-ups, not just relying on her staff, and supplied emotional support when I felt my issues were crashing down around me. There are not enough words to properly thank you, Dr. Jerome, for all you have done for my knees, back, neck and hands.
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Learn More About Adjacent Segment Disease
If you're experiencing back or neck pain, stiffness, numbness, or radiating discomfort, especially after undergoing spinal fusion surgery, schedule an appointment at the Center for Regenerative Sports & Spine Care to learn if you're living with adjacent segment disease. Dr. Jerome and our team will perform a comprehensive exam and suggest a treatment strategy to help your spine move more efficiently. Contact our integrative orthopedic practice in Atlanta, GA to learn more.