Degenerative Disc Disease: When Surgery May Be the Right Solution

Dr. Charla Fischer, a board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon in New York City, offers advanced surgical solutions for degenerative disc disease and other complex spine conditions.

Why Do Discs Degenerate?

Your spinal discs are made of a soft, gel-like center surrounded by a tougher outer layer. Over time, they begin to lose hydration, making them thinner and more brittle. This process can be accelerated by injuries, repetitive stress, or genetic predisposition.

Once a disc begins to degenerate, its ability to absorb shock and protect your spine diminishes. The result? Increased risk of:

• Herniated discs
• Spinal stenosis
• Spinal osteoarthritis
• Scoliosis
• Spondylolisthesis
• Radiculopathy (pinched nerves)

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Dr. Fischer emphasizes conservative treatments first, such as physical therapy, steroid injections, pain management, or epidural injections. But if your symptoms persist and significantly impact your quality of life, surgical intervention may be recommended.

Common symptoms that may prompt consideration of surgery:

• Chronic back or neck pain
• Muscle spasms or weakness
• Pain radiating to arms or legs
• Loss of sensation or tingling
• Reduced mobility or spinal instability

Surgical Options for Degenerative Disc Disease

Dr. Fischer offers two primary surgical solutions:

1. Spinal Fusion

This procedure removes the damaged disc and fuses the adjacent vertebrae using a bone graft. The goal is to stabilize the spine and eliminate pain caused by motion at the degenerated level. Dr. Fischer uses minimally invasive spinal fusion techniques to promote quicker recovery and reduce scarring.

2. Artificial Disc Replacement

During disc replacement surgery, Dr. Fischer removes the damaged disc and replaces it with an artificial one. This helps maintain more natural motion in the spine compared to fusion.

Why Choose Dr. Fischer?

Dr. Fischer combines surgical precision with advanced technology including robotic-assisted and navigation-assisted spine surgery for highly accurate outcomes. Her approach is patient-centered, and she ensures you understand every aspect of your treatment.