DEGENERATIVE DISCS IN SCOTTSDALE, AZ

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What is Degenerative Disc Disease?

Degenerative disc disease isn’t truly a disease and almost everyone develops degenerated discs as they age. When the discs leak, people often experience pain and numbness. If there are no leaks, there are no symptoms. Nearly every degenerated disc begins as a single annular tear. The tear progressively worsens to become multiple disc tears, and then finally escalates into disc degeneration.

Almost every MRI and CT study finds that everyone over the age of 60 has some disc degeneration.

Disc degeneration often leads to chronic back pain and loss of disc height as discs continue collapsing. As regenerative medicine continues to advance in its treatment for spinal conditions such as degenerative disc disease, often physicians are looking to biologics such as biologics therapy, bone marrow concentrate, and platelet-rich plasma to treat the degenerated discs. The problem these treatments face in the spinal discs is that once the annulus of the disc is compromised, the biologic being injected will not stay in the target treatment area due to the disc leaking. Treatments such as The Discseel® Procedure effectively seal the compromised tears in the disc annulus allowing for the body to recover from within.

Intradiscal therapies directed to the treatment of the disc itself, which seal and regenerate the disc, represent a potential cure to these debilitating conditions.

Problems

  • The symptoms of degenerative disc disease are concentrated in the lower back, but can occur anywhere there is degeneration. They include:
    • Mild to severe pain
    • Pain that radiates to the buttocks and thighs
    • Pain that is worse when sitting, bending, lifting, or twisting
    • Pain that is better when changing positions frequently
    • Periods of varying pain, from a few days to a few months
    • Numbness in the extremities
    • Weakness in leg muscles or feet
    • Muscle spasms or tension
    • Loss of balance

    One can see that there is a wide range of symptoms associated with degenerative disc disease. Despite all these, there are methods of treatment available to those who seek it.

Causes

The causes behind this condition are considered a natural part of aging. However, the condition is variable in its nature and severity with many individuals never experiencing any symptoms. Several factors can be considered to play a role:

  • The daily activities you do, including sports.
  • Back injuries stemming from sports, overdoing it, etc.
  • The natural degeneration of a disc

Treatment for Degenerative Disc Disease

There are only 2 Phases of the Discseel® Procedure:

  1. The disc is sealed and recovering
  2. The disc regenerates over the year

Before you can get treated for degenerative disc disease, you must first be diagnosed. If you are coming here with the diagnosis, you are one step ahead! We simply want to inform you of the safest practice. A diagnosis can be obtained from your doctor with a medical history, a physical exam, and certain forms of imaging test, which is usually an MRI. From here the treatment options are explored.

All standard treatments for degenerative discs consist of some measure of exercise or physical therapy to increase the strength and flexibility of the muscles around the spine. This increases the already stifled blood flow to the spine as well. Other treatments include Medication (anti-inflammatory, pain relievers, steroid injections, spinal fusion, artificial disc replacement, heat and cold therapy, spinal mobilization(s), and TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation).

Although some of these procedures have had success treating some if not all symptoms of degenerative disc disease, the Discseel® Procedure has consistently outperformed the aforementioned protocols and is often significantly less invasive, has a much shorter recovery time, and allows patients a greater range of motion than a spinal fusion, discectomy, and artificial disc replacement. The Discseel® Procedure prompts the patient’s body to heal itself without the use of metal hardware or removal of tissue and has a low risk of long-term complications and opioid dependency.

What Are the Benefits of Degenerative Disc Treatment?

While discs commonly degenerate as we age, worsening degeneration over time can produce life-altering pain. At Southwest Spine and Sports, we proudly offer the Discseel Procedure to treat and potentially regenerate discs. Benefits of this treatment include:

  • Minimally invasive treatments and speedy recovery
  • Pain relief
  • Avoiding surgery and its risks
  • Restoring disc function and enabling better movement
  • The potential for long-lasting results

Videos

Degenerated Disc Disease

Herniated Disc

Spinal Stenosis

Repair Discs Without Surgery

At Southwest Spine and Sports, we proudly offer the Discseel procedure for treating degenerative discs. This is a wonderful treatment because it is far less invasive than traditional therapies and has shown to be effective in regenerating and repairing troublesome disc(s). If you are bothered by disc pain and want to learn more about Discseel, we welcome you to contact our team in Scottsdale, AZ.

Degenerative Discs FAQs

Not really. Degenerative disc disease is simply a condition caused by age and wear and tear. The term degeneration can refer to any change that occurs within a disc. They naturally lose their ability to absorb shocks over time and may not be able to handle the stress that they were designed for.

Degenerative disc disease is not necessarily a painful condition, and many feel no symptoms at all in Scottsdale. However, you may begin to develop chronic pain and numbness when the disc begins to break down. Discomfort is especially noticeable when performing actions like bending or twisting.

Degenerative disc disease can be diagnosed during a physical exam at Southwest Spine & Sports in Scottsdale, AZ. In this appointment, a specialist will examine the problem areas and check for any discomfort or weakness. If abnormalities are found, an image of the affected area may be taken to confirm the diagnosis.

Degenerative Discs Blogs

WHAT IS DEGENERATIVE DISK DISEASE?

Our Medical Team | 05/27/2023

Degenerative disc disease is a condition in which the spinal (intervertebral) discs become leaky and degraded, leading to pain and dysfunction.

FOUR SOFT TISSUE INJURIES TREATED WITH REGENERATIVE MEDICINE

Our Medical Team | 01/30/2022

Regenerative medicine can reduce side effects like pain if you have osteoarthritis or an overuse injury. Learn how we treat soft tissue injuries here.

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Learn More About Southwest Spine & Sports

Southwest Spine & Sports Reviews

496 Total Reviews  4.9 Average Rating

Review 17

"I went to see Dr. Wolff in April for lower back pain. I have received over the last 8 years numerous cortisone injections as well as RF to alleviate my pain. This treatment was temporary and the pain always returned. A firefighter friend of mine went to see Dr. Wolff and she received PRP treatment for her injury. Dr. Wolff and Carole are such great kind and caring people. Dr. Wolff suggested and explained the treatment and listened to my many questions. Dr. Wolff then injected my back with the PRP and to date I'm 60% better. Today, I am receiving one additional injection to my stubborn S-I joint. Fingers crossed this final one will do the trick. I would recommend Dr. Wolff and his RN Carole to anyone who hasn't had relief from any other treatment for lower back pain."

Becky
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Review 16

"Dr. WOLFF! We've put so much confidence in him since 2012, both my wife and I, he's never disappointed us. I'm 73, lower back rebuilt three times, wife is 61, migraines and back issues, He's the BEST!"

Archie P
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Review 15

"Excellent patient care, timely appointment. Professional personnel from taking the appointment to seeing the doctor. Would recommend to friends and family and out-of-state friends as well."

Elaine C
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Review 14

"Dr. Wolff was very thorough with my consultation. He explained my options for treatment and made me feel more like a close friend or family member not just a patient. All of the staff I have interacted with have been very helpful and caring. I can’t say enough good things about Callie, she is quick to respond to emails and get me everything to prepare for my Discseel procedure. My procedure went smoothly, Dr Wolff found a tear in my disc which explained my pain being so high. Pre procedure I couldn’t sit at all if I did it would be painful and standing up and walking was difficult. I can sit and eat with my family for the first time in over 8 months I am so thankful for the Discseel® procedure it kept me from having surgery and fusing my lower back."

Rebecca M
Google

Review 13

"The NP Sheila carefully assessed and really listened to my pain problems! And Dr Wolff takes good care to listen, and each procedure has been very helpful. I absolutely refuse to take scheduled drugs/narcotics, and this office has many very helpful options! My pain problems are a work in progress, but I feel we keep moving in the right direction, and very safely! I HIGHLY RECOMMEND Southwest Spine & Sports!"

Viva Z
Google

Review 12

"I have been treating with SWSS since 2015. I value their conservative approach and they put the patient's care above everything else. Both Dr. Wolff and Sheila are easy to talk with about my condition and lay out the treatment plan and genuinely care about my long term health. I am thankful to have such a great medical team by my side."

Tony E
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Review 11

"I’m very glad I found Southwest Spine & Sports I did a random google search and took a risk based on reviews and was very happy I did. I was experiencing pain and the procedure helped me resolve the pain. I feel like they truly listen and do their best to help with my multitude of spinal issues."

Diana B
Google

Review 10

"Following years troubleshooting chronic back pain with no success, I was introduced to Dr. Wolff who identified my key issues and offered a number of solutions.  After confirming I would be an ideal candidate, I opted for the Discseel® procedure, and, as discussed, my back pain began improving within a matter of weeks.  Six months later, I am pleased with the results while I progress through physical therapy and continue to improve. I am grateful for Dr. Wolff and the staff at Southwest Spine & Sports for helping me work through a serious condition and making the entire process rather painless."

Patient Feedback
D.C.

Review 9

"I am so impressed with the quality of service from the entire team at Southwest Spine and Sports. The sense of urgency and determination to not only make the symptoms better but to resolve the issues. Dr. Wolf is the most compassionate doctor I have ever been privileged to have working in my behalf. I thank everyone at Southwest Spine and Sports for their dedication to their field. I am forever grateful!"

Lois
Google

Review 8

" Dr. Wolff exudes kindness, competency and empathy; top doc."

RANK S
Google

Review 7

" The care that Dr. Wolff and is staff give is the best. They are all there for you knowledgeable helpful. I can’t say enough good things about them. I’ve been going for 10 years and never disappointed. They know what to do in the office and in the surgery room and how to take the best care of you. Thank You So much Dr Wolff ."

Karen D.
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Review6

“I have suffered with Plantar Fasciitis for 7 years. I have had steriod injections, physical thereby, rest, and a bunch of other treatments. None have worked. That was until I met Dr. Wolff and his team."

D.T.
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Review5

“Dr. Wolff is such an amazing provider always compassionate care. I been seeing Dr. Wolff and his team to treat my Chronic Migraines hands down would refer his clinic and Botox method to get your life back. Thank you."

R.V.
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Review4

"Sheila at Southwest Spine & Sports makes a “bad thing” a little less miserable. I’ve had disc issues since 2004. I continue to struggle with the best method to manage the pain that is associated with lower back issues."

C.".
Google

Review3

“I have been a patient South West Spine & Sport for 13 years!  Dr. Wolff and Sheila Janisch ANP are amazing. They listen and are always professional. They are on the leading edge with therapies and procedures."

K.D.
Yelp

Review2

"Dear Dr. Wolff, I wanted to thank you for taking care of my frozen shoulder. It has been almost 4 weeks since my injection and I have experienced significant improvement. My day-to-day comfort has improved a lot."

DT
Patient Feedback

Review1

“SW Sports & Spine is a great practice. The staff are friendly, caring, and competent. Dr. Wolff asks questions and listens to your answers. He is able to find the source of your pain, explain what he can do to alleviate it."

Anonymous
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