News Room

MEDICAL MINUTE^©
from the Texas Back Institute

Drop the Jargon, Treat the Pain: 

What is Degenerative Disc Disease?

If you have been diagnosed with degenerative disc disease, you probably have questions about how much worse it will get, if you should restrict your activities and sports, or if it will cause damage to other parts of your spine.

“While you may be relieved to have a name to go with the pain, you may be worried about this life-long, potentially debilitating disease.  Fortunately, the name ‘degenerative disc disease’ is not a true picture of the problem,” said Rey Bosita, M.D., spine surgeon with the Texas Back Institute.

Some common misconceptions about degenerative disc disease include:

• "Degenerative" does mean it can get worse with age; however, the pain can either get better or worse over time.

• "Disease" is a misnomer.  It's actually not contagious.  The condition occurs when the disc is damaged, either through trauma or overuse.

• All people show changes in their discs consistent with degeneration as the get older, but not all people develop symptoms.

Confusion also exists because there is little agreement among medical professionals as to what the term "degenerative disc disease" actually refers to.  It can refer to almost any condition that causes back pain.   

Artificial disc replacement is one of the options available to treat degenerative disc disease.  These artificial discs mimic a natural disc and help maintain motion while relieving pain.  In the past, fusion surgery was used to treat degenerative disc disease, but artificial disc replacement is now offering new hope to patients.

“TBI was the lead investigator during the FDA trial for the CHARITE Artificial Disc.  We have done more disc replacement surgeries than any other practice in America.  The artificial disc is now approved for use, and we are proud to offer it to our patients at TBI,” said Bosita. 

He adds, “There are several other discs currently under FDA investigation and TBI is working to bring these options to patients as well.” 

Texas Back Institute, Plano, Texas:  As one of the nation's largest spine clinics, the Texas Back Institute is the expert in solutions for back pain. Founded in 1978, the Texas Back Institute has always recommended non-surgical treatments because we know they work best to relieve pain in most patients.   The professional staff includes board-certified orthopedic surgeons with spine fellowship training, general surgeons, general medicine physicians, internists, chiropractors, physiatrists, pain specialists, exercise physiologists and a team of physical and occupational therapists.   From non-operative spine care to surgery, the Texas Back Institute offers chiropractic care, diagnostic procedures, fitness services, pain management, patient education, physical therapy, research and return-to-work programs including work conditioning and work hardening. To learn more about the Texas Back Institute and to obtain free updates and helpful back tips, go to www.texasback.com or call 1-800-247-BACK.  Texas Back Institute's main office in Plano, with offices in Denton, Fort Worth, Garland, Greenville, Hurst, Midland, TX and Phoenix, AZ. For additional information, visit the Texas Back Institute website at www.texasback.com       

MEDIA CONTACT
For more information, contact Meredith Falke, (214) 891-7795 meredith_falke@richards.com

Consumer phone number: 1-800-247-BACK