Degenerative Back and Neck Disorders
Degenerative back and neck pain might come with the territory as we grow older, but that doesn't mean you have to hurt. When you're ready to heal, Hoag is ready to help. At Hoag Spine Center, we combine the latest technology, conservative treatment options and personalized strength and flexibility programs to find the best possible outcome for every patient. With a robust, whole-body approach to diagnosing and treating spinal issues, Hoag Spine Center is your best choice for degenerative back pain treatment in Orange County.
What are degenerative back and neck disorders?
Degenerative back and neck disorders result from the natural wear-and-tear of aging. Beginning in their 40s, most people will have some degeneration in the discs that act as cushions between the vertebrae of the spine. These issues can lead to pain and stiffness in the back and neck, which may become more pronounced with age or during or after strenuous activities.
How are degenerative back and neck disorders diagnosed?
If pain from degenerative back or neck issues begins to regularly impact your mobility or quality of life, your physician will talk with you to understand your symptoms, medical history and level of physical activity. This will likely be followed by an examination to rule out other conditions. If the pain is severe, your doctor might order imaging tests like a CT scan or MRI to determine the underlying cause.
What are the risk factors for degenerative back and neck disorders?
Most of us will experience some level of degeneration in the discs and other structures of the neck and back as we age. However, the risk of developing recurring pain and stiffness from the condition can be enhanced by a number of factors, including:
- Family history
- Prior injuries
- Obesity
- Prolonged sitting or poor posture
- Career-related lifting, bending or stooping
- Poor muscle strength in the back and abdomen
- A sedentary lifestyle
I’ve been diagnosed with a degenerative back or neck disorder. Now What do I do?
When you need spine care in Orange County, trust Hoag. At Hoag, our fellowship-trained team of spine specialists is here to help get you back to doing the things that matter most. We’re committed to treating you like a person, not a chart. Hoag provides the latest technology and treatments, with minimally-invasive techniques designed to help you recover quicker with less pain. Meet the Hoag Spine Center Team.
What treatments are available for degenerative back and neck disorders?
Treatments for degenerative back and neck disorders vary greatly by case and severity. In many cases, pain resulting from degenerative issues in the back and neck can be improved or alleviated by over-the-counter or prescription pain medications, weight loss, regular exercise, gentle stretching or rest. If your pain is severe or recurring, your doctor might recommend physical therapy, exercises to strengthen the muscles that support the head and spine or, in some severe cases, surgery.
Minimally-invasive robotic spinal surgery at Hoag
When your spine is on the line, trust Hoag for spine surgery. Hoag was the first hospital on the West Coast to offer the Mazor X Stealth™ advanced robotic navigation platform for spinal surgery. Combining 3D pre-operative planning tools with robotic precision, the system provides surgeons with advanced visualization of your body’s unique internal structures, and you with the great chance to come back strong from back surgery. Learn more about advanced robotic surgery at Hoag.
Award-Winning Care for the Spine at Hoag
There’s a reason why U.S. News and World Report’s 2022-2023 list of top hospitals ranked Hoag as High Performing — their top distinction — in neurology, neurosurgery and spinal fusion. A higher standard of care. Accurate diagnosis for more successful treatment. A multidisciplinary team of spine-care specialists who are committed to seeing you heal. That’s spinal care at Hoag. Read an essay about a real Hoag patient’s spine-care journey.
Confused about your condition? Trust Hoag Nurse Navigators
Facing a health issue that could involve surgery can be confusing for anyone. That’s why the Hoag Spine Center offers our unique Nurse Navigator program. These trained nurses are there for you, both as a guide and a resource for medically-accurate information about your unique diagnosis. It’s one more way Hoag is here for you through your journey as a patient, every step of the way. Get started with our spine nurse navigator.
What are degenerative back and neck disorders?
Degenerative back and neck disorders result from the natural wear-and-tear of aging. Beginning in their 40s, most people will have some degeneration in the discs that act as cushions between the vertebrae of the spine. These issues can lead to pain and stiffness in the back and neck, which may become more pronounced with age or during or after strenuous activities.
How are degenerative back and neck disorders diagnosed?
If pain from degenerative back or neck issues begins to regularly impact your mobility or quality of life, your physician will talk with you to understand your symptoms, medical history and level of physical activity. This will likely be followed by an examination to rule out other conditions. If the pain is severe, your doctor might order imaging tests like a CT scan or MRI to determine the underlying cause.
What are the risk factors for degenerative back and neck disorders?
Most of us will experience some level of degeneration in the discs and other structures of the neck and back as we age. However, the risk of developing recurring pain and stiffness from the condition can be enhanced by a number of factors, including:
- Family history
- Prior injuries
- Obesity
- Prolonged sitting or poor posture
- Career-related lifting, bending or stooping
- Poor muscle strength in the back and abdomen
- A sedentary lifestyle
I’ve been diagnosed with a degenerative back or neck disorder. Now What do I do?
When you need spine care in Orange County, trust Hoag. At Hoag, our fellowship-trained team of spine specialists is here to help get you back to doing the things that matter most. We’re committed to treating you like a person, not a chart. Hoag provides the latest technology and treatments, with minimally-invasive techniques designed to help you recover quicker with less pain. Meet the Hoag Spine Center Team.
What treatments are available for degenerative back and neck disorders?
Treatments for degenerative back and neck disorders vary greatly by case and severity. In many cases, pain resulting from degenerative issues in the back and neck can be improved or alleviated by over-the-counter or prescription pain medications, weight loss, regular exercise, gentle stretching or rest. If your pain is severe or recurring, your doctor might recommend physical therapy, exercises to strengthen the muscles that support the head and spine or, in some severe cases, surgery.
Minimally-invasive robotic spinal surgery at Hoag
When your spine is on the line, trust Hoag for spine surgery. Hoag was the first hospital on the West Coast to offer the Mazor X Stealth™ advanced robotic navigation platform for spinal surgery. Combining 3D pre-operative planning tools with robotic precision, the system provides surgeons with advanced visualization of your body’s unique internal structures, and you with the great chance to come back strong from back surgery. Learn more about advanced robotic surgery at Hoag.
Award-Winning Care for the Spine at Hoag
There’s a reason why U.S. News and World Report’s 2022-2023 list of top hospitals ranked Hoag as High Performing — their top distinction — in neurology, neurosurgery and spinal fusion. A higher standard of care. Accurate diagnosis for more successful treatment. A multidisciplinary team of spine-care specialists who are committed to seeing you heal. That’s spinal care at Hoag. Read an essay about a real Hoag patient’s spine-care journey.
Confused about your condition? Trust Hoag Nurse Navigators
Facing a health issue that could involve surgery can be confusing for anyone. That’s why the Hoag Spine Center offers our unique Nurse Navigator program. These trained nurses are there for you, both as a guide and a resource for medically-accurate information about your unique diagnosis. It’s one more way Hoag is here for you through your journey as a patient, every step of the way. Get started with our spine nurse navigator.