As people get older, it’s not uncommon to experience back pain. This doesn’t mean that you need to suffer in silence or leave your back issues unaddressed. At Premier Bone & Joint Centers, we treat back injuries and ailments, including degenerative disc disease (DDD). The knowledgeable and caring orthopedic doctors at our Gillette, Wyoming, satellite clinic will provide you with the proper and attentive treatment you deserve.

How DDD Affects You

Degenerative disc disease, also known as osteoarthritis of the spine, involves one or more of the discs between the vertebrae of the spinal column deteriorating or breaking down. This generally happens as part of the natural aging process, so it tends to affect those 60 years of age or older. However, certain activities and injuries can also trigger DDD. Common signs that you may be suffering from this condition include:

• Pain in the lower back, buttocks, thighs or neck
• Pain that is worse when sitting
• Periods of severe pain that come and go
• Pain that gets worse when bending, lifting or twisting
• Feeling better changing positions often or lying down
• Weakness in the leg muscles
• Numbness and tingling in the extremities

Treating Your DDD

For many people suffering from degenerative disc disease, relief can be found in non-operative treatments like physical therapy, pain medication, and wearing a back brace. In some scenarios, however, the doctors of Premier Bone & Joint Centers may find that surgery is necessary. Our expertly trained and highly experienced orthopedic surgeons can repair a disc and provide you the relief that you need.

If you’re seeking treatment for degenerative disc disease from a team of board-certified and fellowship-trained specialists, you will be happy partnering with Premier Bone & Joint Centers. We’re proud to serve residents of Wyoming, including Gillette, at our convenient satellite clinics.