Degenerative Disc Disease
Degenerative disc disease is one of the most common causes of low back pain, as well as neck pain. Unfortunately, it is also one of the most misunderstood conditions.
Despite its name, degenerative disc disease is not a disease. It is a condition that includes symptoms of pain, radiating weakness, and possible numbness stemming from a degenerated disc in the neck or back.
This condition occurs when a disc deteriorates, which is commonly caused by age. The discs in the back and neck provide cushioning between vertebrae along the spine. Over time, the tough outer exterior of the disc can weaken and crack, causing the soft center to spread and put pressure on spinal nerves.
Resulting pain, referred to as axial pain, can get worse with certain activities and positions. Some people experience little or no pain, but others feel severe, chronic pain. It can involve a single disc or more than one.
Symptoms of degenerative disc disease include:
- Pain in the neck, arms, shoulders, and hands
- Low back pain that can radiate to the hips, buttocks, thighs, or legs
- Pain that worsens with sitting, bending, lifting, and twisting
If you’re experiencing these symptoms or have been diagnosed with degenerative disc disease, contact us to learn more about your treatment options. We’re here to help you get your life back.
Voices of Our Patients
Real Patient Testimonials
Dr. Gallo replaced two damaged discs on the right side of my neck. She did a great job & gave me relief from pain. Thank you!
It has been a year ( Nov 29th, 2022) since Dr Gallo repaired my spine, redoing a failed L4-L5 fusion, decompressing two additional discs and inserting metal spacers to reinforce my spine. Placing an implanted spinal stimulator, during the surgery and overall giving my life back to me. I can not thank her and the staff enough for the professional and caring treatment I received. I’m 73 yrs old and the pain was to the point I couldn’t sleep, stand, sit or hardly walk and thought the end of my life was near. Thanks to Dr. Gallo. I am about 75% less in the pain that was running my life. I am not pain free, but I didn’t expect tp be. The custom brace designed for me, has worked well. I still use it when driving long distances or know I will need to pick up some weighty items. I live near south western coastal area and travel to Eugene was so very difficult before surgery and now I feel like I am living a pretty normal retired life. I am so pleased with the results of the procedure, I would go beyond highly recommending her and the staff of NeuroSpine. God bless them all for the outstanding work they do. They were the saving blessing of my life !!
Dr Gallo was able to obtain prior approval in a very short period of time. She assessed the situation scheduled me for surgery and is my new hero. I was in less pain while recovering from the surgery the very day of my surgery than I was the day before surgery. I would recommend this surgeon to anyone suffering from the type of pain I lived with for 10 years. My neurologist is amazed at the improvement I showed 10 days post surgery. My only regret is that I did not meet Dr Gallo years ago.
Met Dr. Gallo this week. What a refreshing approach to medical care. She not only is extremely well educated and skilled but also has a personality, sense of humor and candor.
I drove three hours for this appointment and she never rushed me, answered all my questions, filled in the blanks when I didn’t ask enough questions, and after I left and thought of more, she gladly answered my concerns without insisting on another appoonent.
This was a refreshing, reaffirmation of what medical care should be like.
Several years ago Dr. Gallo and staff performed a unique and successful surgery on my lower spine. She is amazing.
Dr. Catherine Gallo is an amazing doctor. She gave my husband his ability to walk again after a tragic fall that left him with paralysis and loss of blood flow to his spine.
Excellent
great doctor, friendly people
The Founder of NeuroSpine Group
Neurosurgeon and Founder of NeuroSpine Group
Dr. Catherine Gallo
At the heart of NeuroSpine is Dr. Catherine Gallo, a neurosurgeon whose vision was to create a seamless, patient-centered experience where advanced spine and neck surgery happens under one roof.
At NeuroSpine, Dr. Gallo believes that no one should have to live in pain – and that healing should never come at the cost of creating new problems. Her mission is to help patients get their life back through minimally invasive solutions that restore freedom, comfort, and confidence.
Dr. Gallo
