Degenerative Disc Disease Treatment in PA & NJ
Degenerative disc disease (DDD) occurs when the intervertebral discs that cushion the vertebrae begin to break down with age, injury, or wear. Despite its name, DDD is not always progressive and many patients can achieve significant pain relief with the right treatment. The pain typically comes from the disc itself, from nerve compression, or from secondary changes in the surrounding joints.
At DVPSI, we offer the Intracept procedure (basivertebral nerve ablation), a minimally invasive FDA-cleared treatment that targets the nerve inside the vertebra responsible for discogenic pain, providing long-lasting relief without spinal fusion.
Common Symptoms
- Chronic low back pain that may be worse with sitting or bending
- Pain that radiates into the buttocks or thighs
- Stiffness especially in the morning or after inactivity
- Pain that improves with walking or changing positions
- Episodes of more intense pain flaring from a baseline level
- Neck pain if cervical discs are affected
Common Causes
- Age-related dehydration of disc material reducing shock absorption
- Repetitive stress from physical labor or poor posture
- Genetics playing a significant role in DDD risk
- Injury accelerating disc degeneration
- Smoking which reduces blood supply to discs
- Obesity increasing mechanical load on spinal discs
Treatment Options at DVPSI
Our board-certified physicians use a stepwise, minimally invasive approach, always starting with the least invasive effective treatment and escalating only when necessary.
Intracept Procedure (Basivertebral Nerve Ablation)
FDA-cleared minimally invasive treatment that ablates the basivertebral nerve inside the vertebra, eliminating discogenic pain. Dr. Patel has specialized training in this procedure.
Epidural Steroid Injections
Anti-inflammatory injections to address nerve root irritation from disc degeneration.
Medial Branch Blocks & Radiofrequency Ablation
For facet joint pain secondary to disc degeneration.
Intradiscal Procedures
Targeted disc procedures for appropriate candidates with contained disc degeneration.
Spinal Cord Stimulation
For chronic discogenic pain not responding to other treatments.
Medication Management
Anti-inflammatory and neuropathic pain medications as part of a comprehensive plan.
Why Choose DVPSI for Degenerative Disc Disease Treatment
Dr. Patel completed his fellowship at Northwestern University and has specialized expertise in the Intracept procedure, one of the most advanced treatments available for degenerative disc disease. DVPSI patients have access to this cutting-edge therapy without traveling to a major academic center.