Iowa (563) 322-0971
Illinois (309) 762-3621
Illinois (309) 762-3621
Most people will experience back pain at least once in their lives. For many, the cause is degenerative disc disease (DDD)—a common condition that affects the spine as we age. At ORA Orthopedics’ Spine Center of Excellence, our specialty-trained orthopedic doctors provide expert diagnosis and treatment for degenerative disc disease, helping patients throughout the Quad Cities—including Moline, IL, Davenport, IA, Bettendorf, IA, and surrounding communities—find relief and restore their quality of life.
Degenerative disc disease describes the gradual breakdown of the intervertebral discs—the soft, cushioning material between each vertebra in your spine. As we age, these discs lose hydration and elasticity, making them less effective at absorbing shock and supporting movement. While everyone experiences some spinal degeneration over time, certain individuals develop painful symptoms due to worn or damaged discs.
Treatments & Conditions
Anterior Cervical Discectomy
Compression Fracture
Degenerative Disc
Herniated Disc
Kyphosis
Laminectomy
Sciatica (Lumbar Radiculopathy)
Scoliosis
Spinal Fusion (Lumbar)
Spinal Stenosis
Spondylolisthesis
XLIF (Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion)
DDD is primarily caused by aging, but other factors can accelerate disc degeneration:
Symptoms of degenerative disc disease vary widely. Common signs include:
At ORA Orthopedics, we believe in personalized, patient-centered care. Our diagnostic process includes:
Our multidisciplinary team uses these insights to develop a treatment plan tailored to your unique needs.
Whenever possible, ORA Orthopedics prioritizes conservative, non-surgical therapies to relieve pain and restore function.
Our physical therapists design individualized programs to:
Depending on your symptoms, your doctor may recommend:
These injections deliver medication directly to inflamed spinal nerves, providing powerful pain relief and reducing inflammation. When combined with physical therapy, they may delay or eliminate the need for surgery.
Surgery is considered only when conservative treatments fail or symptoms become severe. ORA Orthopedics offers advanced, minimally invasive procedures for degenerative disc disease, including:
This procedure stabilizes the spine by fusing two vertebrae together, limiting painful motion. It’s recommended for patients with significant instability or persistent pain.
For some patients, replacing a damaged disc with an artificial one can maintain spinal motion and relieve symptoms.
Procedures such as laminectomy and discectomy remove pressure from spinal nerves, alleviating pain and restoring function.
Our surgeons use the latest minimally invasive techniques, which mean fewer incisions, less risk, and shorter recovery times compared to traditional open surgery.
Recovery from degenerative disc disease treatment is a journey, and ORA Orthopedics supports you every step of the way.
Post-treatment rehabilitation focuses on:
Maintaining an active lifestyle, practicing good posture, and following your doctor’s recommendations are key to long-term spine health. ORA Orthopedics provides ongoing support and resources to help you stay healthy and active.
ORA Orthopedics is the largest and most respected provider of orthopedic care in the Quad Cities. Since 1963, generations of families have trusted us for expert, compassionate treatment. Here’s why patients choose ORA:
Degenerative disc disease is primarily caused by the natural aging process, but other factors such as spinal injury, genetic predisposition, obesity, and certain lifestyle choices—including smoking and poor posture—can also contribute to the degeneration of spinal discs.
Degenerative disc disease cannot be completely cured because it involves irreversible changes to the spinal discs. However, symptoms of degenerative disc disease can be effectively managed with a personalized treatment plan that may include physical therapy, medications, lifestyle modifications, and, in some cases, surgical intervention.
Surgery for degenerative disc disease is typically recommended when conservative treatments—such as physical therapy, medications, and injections—do not provide sufficient relief, or when symptoms become severe enough to interfere with daily activities and quality of life.
Recovery time after treatment for degenerative disc disease depends on the specific therapy used. Non-surgical treatments may lead to gradual improvement over weeks or months, while minimally invasive spine surgery often results in a faster recovery compared to traditional open procedures. Your orthopedic specialist will provide a recovery timeline based on your individual treatment plan.
Most patients with degenerative disc disease benefit from ongoing care, which may include regular physical therapy sessions, continued exercise, pain management strategies, and periodic follow-up appointments with their orthopedic care team to monitor spine health and prevent future issues.
