Degenerative Spinal Disorders

Degenerative spinal disorders are common, affecting up to 30% of Americans 35 and older. Although painful, surgery can provide lasting relief and prevent these conditions from getting worse. At his practice in Santa Monica, California, orthopedic spine surgeon William Sheppard, MD, MPH, specializes in diagnosing and treating degenerative spinal disorders. He takes a minimally invasive approach that speeds healing and reduces the risk of complications. Call the office of William Sheppard, MD, today to schedule degenerative spinal disorder treatment, or book your visit online.

What are degenerative spinal disorders?

Degenerative spinal disorders affect your spine’s function, strength, and mobility. They’re caused by aging and/or general wear-and-tear, affecting how your vertebrae, intervertebral discs, and the surrounding tissues function.

Anyone can experience degenerative spinal disorders, but they commonly affect people 30 and older. Lifestyle factors increase your risk. For example, degenerative changes are more likely to occur if your job requires frequent bending, twisting, and lifting.

What are examples of degenerative spinal disorders?

Dr. Sheppard treats various degenerative spinal disorders, including:

• Herniated discs
• Degenerative disc disease
• Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal)
• Arthritis
• Scoliosis (an unnatural curvature of the spine)
• Osteoporosis
• Bone spurs

Sometimes, degenerative disorders affect the nerves. For example, if a nerve in your back or neck gets pinched, it can cause radiculopathy (numbness and tingling) that extends into your arms or legs.

How are degenerative spinal disorders diagnosed?

Dr. Sheppard reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms, including where the pain is, what it feels like, and whether activities like exercising or standing make it worse. Next, he completes a physical exam.

Dr. Sheppard looks at your neck and back for bruising, swelling, and redness. He gently presses the affected area to pinpoint sensitive spots. He completes several tests to assess your muscle strength and range of motion.

Next, Dr. Sheppard orders diagnostic imaging — X-rays, an MRI, or a CT scan. Diagnostic imaging provides a more detailed look at your vertebrae, intervertebral discs, and the surrounding tissues.

How are degenerative spinal disorders diagnosed?

Dr. Sheppard takes an integrative, minimally invasive approach to treating degenerative spinal disorders. He might recommend:

• Cervical disc replacement
• Endoscopic spine surgery
• Minimally invasive surgery
• Lumbar spine surgery
• Laminoplasty (a procedure that relieves pressure on pinched spinal nerves)
• Robotic surgery

These procedures use smaller incisions than open surgery, present fewer risks, and allow a quicker recovery. Dr. Sheppard performs your surgery at a hospital and develops a personalized care plan for after surgery.

Can degenerative spinal disorders be prevented?

Degenerative spinal disorders can’t be prevented entirely, but you can take steps to reduce your risk.

Dr. Sheppard recommends maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, eating well, and quitting smoking. These things support your spinal health and slow natural, age-related changes.

Call the office of William Sheppard, MD, today to schedule degenerative spinal disorder treatment, or book your appointment online.