Lumbar Degenerative Disc Disease
This is commonly called osteoarthritis, is a condition in which the shock-absorbing cartilage that cushions the joints in the lower back becomes inflamed, breaks down, and deteriorates.
Causes
The primary cause of lumbar degenerative joint disease is age and general wear and tear related to the body’s natural aging process. It is extremely common, affecting more than 25 million people in the United States and one-third of all adults over age 65.
Symptoms
The symptoms of lumbar degenerative joint disease will depend on which spinal structures are affected.
Symptoms may depend on which spinal structures are affected and vary from mild to severe. They may include:
- Back pain at the location of the affected joint
- Pain that radiates to the buttocks, into the leg, and down behind the knee
- Localized swelling, redness and tenderness
- Muscle spasms
- Difficulty bending backward, standing and walking
- Difficulty getting in and out of chairs, dressing, or putting on shoes
- Stiffness in the joints after a period of rest.
Diagnosis
Treatment Diagnosis of cause of low back pain will include;
- Medical history,
- Physical and neurological examination
- Diagnostic tests, such as X-rays, CT or MRI scans.
Conservative treatments for lumbar degenerative joint disease include rest, ice or moist heat, anti-inflammatory drugs to minimize pain and swelling, bracing or back supports, steroid injections, and physical therapy. If pain is not responding to conservative treatment, surgery may be recommended to treat the condition.
Regenerative Medicine
These treatments work by strengthening the supporting structures of the spine and stimulating natural tissue repair without the harmful side effects of steroids and nerve burning procedures.
- Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP): uses your own concentrated platelets and growth factors to repair soft tissues, reduce inflammation, and improve muscle and ligament health. In patients with facet joint pain, PRP can enhance stability, promote joint regeneration, and support stronger spinal musculature.
- Stem Cell Therapy (Bone Marrow Concentrate): For more advanced cases, stem cell–based treatments can enhance regeneration of joint tissues, decrease inflammation, and support long-term structural improvement. These procedures use your body’s own healing cells to restore spinal integrity and mobility naturally
These Regenerative treatments are most effective when combined with a targeted physical therapy program that focuses on improving spinal strength, flexibility, and controlled mobility.