Degenerative disc disease

Omar Saleem, MD, MsPT

Dr. Omar Saleem is a leading orthopedic surgeon with extensive expertise in diagnosing and treating degenerative disc disease (DDD), a condition where the intervertebral discs of the spine deteriorate over time, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Dr. Saleem offers comprehensive treatment plans, ranging from non-surgical management to advanced surgical solutions, to relieve symptoms and restore spinal health.

Comprehensive Diagnosis and Assessment

Dr. Saleem conducts a thorough evaluation of each patient’s condition, using both clinical assessments and advanced imaging techniques:

Physical Examination: Evaluating spinal range of motion, pain levels, and muscle strength.
Imaging: X-rays, MRI, or CT scans are used to assess the extent of disc degeneration, narrowing of the disc spaces, and any impact on nearby nerves.

Non-Surgical Treatment Options

For many patients with degenerative disc disease, Dr. Saleem recommends starting with non-surgical treatments to manage symptoms and improve function:

Physical Therapy: A personalized program of exercises and stretches designed to strengthen the muscles supporting the spine, improve flexibility, and reduce pain caused by disc degeneration.
Medications: Anti-inflammatory medications and muscle relaxants to help reduce pain and inflammation.
Epidural Steroid Injections: Targeted injections to relieve pain by reducing inflammation around the affected nerves and discs.
Lifestyle Modifications: Dr. Saleem advises patients on activity modifications, weight management, and ergonomic changes to reduce strain on the spine.

Surgical Treatment Options

If conservative treatments do not provide sufficient relief or if the condition worsens, Dr. Saleem offers advanced surgical options to address degenerative disc disease:

Discectomy: Removal of the damaged portion of a disc to relieve pressure on the spinal nerves and reduce pain.
Spinal Fusion: A procedure that involves fusing two or more vertebrae to stabilize the spine, particularly in areas where discs have significantly degenerated and caused instability.
Artificial Disc Replacement: In cases where preserving mobility is essential, Dr. Saleem may recommend replacing the damaged disc with an artificial one, allowing for continued movement in the affected segment of the spine.

Holistic Recovery and Long-Term Management

Dr. Saleem emphasizes a holistic approach to treating degenerative disc disease, with a focus on long-term spinal health. His personalized recovery plans include post-surgical rehabilitation, physical therapy, and guidance on maintaining a healthy spine through proper posture, exercise, and injury prevention techniques. His goal is to help patients regain mobility, reduce pain, and improve their overall quality of life.