What Is Degenerative Disc Disease?
Between each of the vertebrae in your spine is a rubbery disc that acts like a cushion, absorbing shock and supporting smooth movement. Degenerative disc disease is a condition that occurs when these discs start to wear down, leaving the spine less stable and more vulnerable to irritation and inflammation. Despite the name, it's not actually a disease in itself, but a process caused by factors like age, alcohol and tobacco use, obesity, and repeated strain on the back.
Degenerative disc disease is extremely common, especially among older adults. It can occur anywhere in the spine, but it's particularly common in the cervical spine (neck) and lumbar spine (lower back), as those areas experience the greatest amount of stress and movement day-to-day. Disc degeneration doesn't always cause pain on its own, but it may still show up in symptoms like stiffness, altered movement mechanics, and muscle tension as your body tries to compensate for the damage.
As the founder and medical director of the Center for Regenerative Sports & Spine Care, Dr. Mairin Jerome specializes in regenerative therapy for degenerative disc disease. With years of experience in orthopedics, she works closely with patients throughout the Atlanta, GA area and beyond to provide relief for a wide variety of painful musculoskeletal disorders. If you're suffering from back pain, reduced mobility, or tingling that radiates into your arms or legs, schedule a consultation with Dr. Jerome to learn more about our nonsurgical orthopedic treatments.
Discover the full range of back and neck conditions we treat at our Atlanta, GA practice.
How Do You Treat Degenerative Disc Disease?
Degenerative disc disease is diagnosed with a physical exam and x-rays to identify the compromised disc and evaluate the extent of the degeneration. Dr. Jerome will also learn more about your symptoms and assess the surrounding structures to rule out other causes.
After diagnosing the issue, Dr. Jerome will recommend a treatment plan based on your needs. Nonsurgical treatment for degenerative disc disease typically starts with focused exercises and physical therapy to strengthen and mobilize the spine. For some patients, Dr. Jerome may recommend prolotherapy or orthobiologic injections to stimulate the body's healing response and help repair the surrounding structures. Shockwave therapy might also be used to reduce pain and promote tissue regeneration, while trigger point injections can help reduce muscle tension caused by the body trying to compensate. If you're experiencing discomfort from nerve compression, she may perform hydrodissection, a minimally invasive technique to help create space around the entrapped nerve. Before moving forward with any treatment, we'll discuss what you can expect throughout the process and lifestyle adjustments you may need to make to manage disc degeneration.
What Are the Benefits of Treatment for Degenerative Disc Disease?
Spinal degeneration is a natural part of the aging process, but that doesn't mean you have to spend your life limited by pain and immobility. Our nonsurgical treatments at the Center for Regenerative Sports & Spine Care can help reduce pain and restore quality of life for people in the Atlanta, GA area suffering from degenerative disc disease, offering benefits such as:
- Reducing chronic neck or lower back pain linked to disc-related degeneration
- Improving spinal mobility during bending, turning, and everyday movement
- Decreasing stiffness that develops after sitting, standing, or prolonged activity
- Reducing pressure and irritation affecting nearby spinal nerves
- Helping the spine absorb and distribute stress more efficiently
- Supporting stronger muscular stabilization around weakened spinal segments
- Improving posture and movement patterns that contribute to recurring flare-ups
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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Prevent Disc Degeneration from Worsening
Dr. Jerome has trained with some of the world's pioneers in regenerative treatments for degenerative disc disease, gaining extensive experience in interventional orthopedics. If you're suffering from cervical or lumbar degenerative disc disease and looking for options to restore your quality of life without surgery, schedule a consultation and exam at the Center for Regenerative Sports & Spine Care in Atlanta, GA to learn more about our treatments. We're here to help you start enjoying a more active, comfortable life again.