When It Might Be Time for Back Surgery for Degenerative Disc Disease

By the age of 40, pretty much everyone will have some degree of degeneration of the discs between their vertebrae. It’s a very common condition, and for many people, it does not cause pain or affect their day-to-day lives.

However, for some people, this degeneration will develop into degenerative disc disease which can cause pain ranging from mild discomfort all the way to debilitating. Your spine doctor will always know best what your specific case requires, and he or she will discuss all of your options with you in order to find the best possible treatment path. However, we know that you want to know how to tell if surgery is starting to look like an option for your degenerative disc disease. Here’s the main question you need to consider in order to determine whether or not back surgery is starting to look like a necessity.

Is Your Back Pain Impacting Your Ability to Live Your Life?

For anyone dealing with back pain, there are going to have to be some lifestyles changes made. For instance, the average person dealing with average back pain may need to avoid lifting heavy objects or avoid twisting motions.

However, if your back pain consistently causes you to miss out on or modify everyday activities you used to be able to do with ease, it may be time to consider surgery. For example, if back pain is disrupting your ability to sit at your desk for your workday, to go grocery shopping, play with your children, or get a good night’s sleep, it may be time to consider talking with your doctor about undergoing spine surgery.