CONDITION

Degenerative Disc Disease

(Wear and Tear in the Spine)

Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) is a common cause of chronic back or neck pain. Over time, the discs that cushion your vertebrae naturally lose hydration and elasticity. As discs thin and weaken, they can no longer absorb shock effectively, which increases stress on the surrounding joints, nerves, and muscles. This may lead to persistent pain, stiffness, or nerve irritation that radiates into the arms or legs. At Silver Pain Centre, we provide consultations and minimally invasive treatments to help patients manage disc-related pain, restore function, and improve quality of life.

Complete Your Self-Referral Physician Referral Form

What is Degenerative Disc Disease?

Degenerative Disc Disease is not truly a “disease,” but a natural aging process where spinal discs gradually wear down. For some people, this process causes little or no pain. For others, weakened discs can trigger chronic pain and nerve-related symptoms.

Typical symptoms may include:

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Chronic neck or back pain that worsens with activity

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Radiating pain into the arms (cervical discs) or legs (lumbar discs)

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Stiffness and reduced mobility in the spine

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Flare-ups of severe pain lasting days or weeks

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Numbness, tingling, or weakness if nerve roots are compressed

Why Does Degenerative Disc Disease Occur?

Degenerative Disc Disease results from age-related wear and tear, but certain factors accelerate the process:

Disc Dehydration: Loss of water content reduces flexibility and shock absorption
Disc Thinning & Flattening: Leads to increased friction between vertebrae
Tears or Cracks in the Disc Wall: Can cause pain or disc herniation
Bone Spurs & Arthritis: Develop as the spine adapts to weakened discs
Spinal Instability: Vertebrae may shift or slip (spondylolisthesis)
Injury or Repetitive Stress: Accidents, heavy lifting, or poor posture accelerate degeneration
Genetic Factors: Some people are predisposed to faster disc wear

At Silver Pain Centre, we look beyond temporary relief. Our specialists pinpoint which discs and structures are causing your pain, so we can deliver targeted, effective treatment plans.

How We Diagnose & Treat at Silver Pain Centre

Your visit begins with a detailed history and physical exam. If needed, we use advanced imaging such as MRI, CT, or X-rays to confirm the extent of disc degeneration and rule out other causes of your pain. From there, we create a personalized, minimally invasive treatment plan that may include:

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Medication optimization or tapering: Safer pain control and fewer side effects

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Epidural steroid injections: Reduce inflammation around irritated nerve roots

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Facet joint or medial branch blocks: Identify and relieve pain from arthritic joints around the spine

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Radiofrequency ablation (RFA): Provide longer-lasting relief by calming overactive pain nerves

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Image-guided procedures: Ultrasound or fluoroscopy for accuracy and safety

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Peripheral nerve or spinal cord stimulation: Options for patients with chronic pain that resists other treatments

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Rehabilitation guidance: Supportive therapies to restore mobility, strength, and function

When to Seek Help & How We Can Support You

Occasional back or neck stiffness is common, but if your pain is persistent, radiates into your arms or legs, or interferes with sleep and daily activity, it may be due to degenerative disc changes. Left untreated, DDD can worsen over time, leading to chronic pain, reduced mobility, and nerve irritation.

At Silver Pain Centre, we provide comprehensive, OHIP-covered consultations designed to help you find lasting relief. Here’s how we make a difference:

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Collaborative Care

Your case is reviewed by a team of physicians, surgeons, and pain specialists working together to create a personalized treatment plan.

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Fast Access

We review self-referrals within 72 hours to minimize wait times and get you the care you need quickly.

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Advanced Diagnostics

Our North York facility uses MRI, CT, ultrasound, and fluoroscopy to accurately pinpoint pain generators.

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Non-Surgical Options

From epidural injections and RFA to neuromodulation, we provide targeted, minimally invasive treatments to reduce pain and improve function.

Interventional pain procedures performed to date

Years of specialized pain management experience

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Patient-reported satisfaction based on post-visit surveys

Image-guided injections performed monthly

Explore Our Full Range of Pain Management Solutions

Learn about our pain management treatments and explore the options available at Silver Pain Centre.

Epidural Steroid Injections (ESI)

Nerve Blocks for Neck & Head Pain

Neuromuscular Stimulation

Peripheral Nerve Stimulator (PNS)

Book A Consultation By Completing A Self-Referral Today!

If you’re living with chronic back or neck pain from degenerative disc disease, don’t wait to get help. The team at Silver Pain Centre will review your self-referral within 72 hours and schedule an OHIP-covered consultation to guide you toward lasting relief. Appointments are available in person or virtually.

Complete Your Self-Referral Phyisican Referral Form