Degenerative disc disease (DDD): It is a degenerative process in which spinal discs gradually lose hydration, elasticity, and height over time, leading to reduced shock absorption and potential pain generation.
Multiple factors have been associated with the condition. Patients may present with chronic back or neck pain that is often mechanical in nature (worse with activity, improved with rest). Pain may be localised or associated with referred or radicular symptoms if nerve irritation occurs. Symptoms often fluctuate and may be episodic.
Management The approach ranges from analgesics, physiotherapy, and lifestyle modifications, assisted with pain intervention procedures pertinent to the diagnosed issue and dependent on expert’s assessment. Surgical intervention is reserved for patients with severe or progressive neurological deficits, significant functional impairment, or failure of conservative treatment. Spinal fusions are by enlarge not recommended for this condition.
I offer following interventions tailored to individual need and requirement that can be complimentary to other treatment modalities, aiming towards reducing pain and improvement in quality of life-
- Medial branch block/ Facet joint injection (NICE NG 59)
- Radio frequency Denervation/ablation
- Neuromodulation (spinal cord, dorsal root ganglion, Multifidus stimulation) for refractory pain where all other treatment modalities have proven unsuccessful/limited.
You can request your GP to arrange a named consultant referral to the Barts neuromodulation service to access these advanced treatment options if they are not available in your area.