Degenerative Disc Disease Treatment with Dr. Shah-Naz Khan in Flint, MI
Degenerative disc disease is the normal, age-related wear of the spinal discs, the soft cushions between the bones of the spine. Despite the name, it is not truly a disease, and many people have it with little or no pain. Degenerative disc disease treatment usually starts with non-surgical care, and surgery is reserved for severe or nerve-related symptoms.
What it is
Age-related wear of the spinal discs, the cushions between the bones of the spine.
Common symptoms
Back or neck pain and stiffness that can come and go, sometimes with flare-ups.
Who it affects
Very common with age; often shows on scans even in people with no pain.
When it is urgent
Leg weakness, groin numbness, or bladder or bowel changes. Call 911.
Conservative vs surgical
Non-surgical care first; surgery mainly for nerve compression or severe cases.
What is degenerative disc disease?
Between the bones of your spine sit soft discs that act like cushions and let your spine bend and absorb shock. Degenerative disc disease is the gradual, age-related wearing of these discs. The word "disease" is misleading: it is really a normal part of aging, not an illness you catch or that always gets worse.
As discs age, they lose water, become thinner, and can crack or bulge. For many people this causes little or no trouble and simply shows up on a scan. For others it leads to back or neck pain and stiffness, sometimes in flare-ups. If a worn disc irritates a nearby nerve, the pain can travel into an arm or a leg.
Degenerative disc disease is one of the degenerative spine conditions Dr. Khan treats.
In plain terms
What are the symptoms of degenerative disc disease?
Symptoms vary widely and often come and go. Most are common and manageable; a few warning signs on the right are emergencies.
Common symptoms
Common and worth a specialist review if they persist or limit your daily life.
- Back or neck pain and stiffness that comes and goes
- Pain that is worse with sitting, bending, or lifting, and eased by walking or changing position
- Flare-ups that last days to weeks, then settle
- Pain, numbness, or tingling into an arm or leg if a nerve is irritated
Seek emergency care now if…
These can mean nerves are being seriously compressed (cauda equina syndrome). Do not wait. Call 911 or go to the nearest ER.
- New loss of control over your bladder or bowels
- Numbness in the groin, buttocks, or inner thighs
- Sudden, severe, or progressive weakness in a leg
- Severe pain after a significant injury or fall
What causes degenerative disc disease?
The main cause is the natural aging of the discs. Several factors can speed it up or make symptoms more likely.
Main causes
- Age-related loss of water and height in the discs
- Small cracks or tears in the disc's outer layer
- Everyday wear from years of movement and load
- Past back or neck injuries
Things that can add to it
- Family history of spine problems
- Smoking, which can affect disc health
- Excess body weight and weak core muscles
- Heavy, repetitive lifting or twisting
How is degenerative disc disease diagnosed?
Diagnosis starts with your history and a physical exam, then imaging that shows the discs, bones, and nerves.
History & exam
Your symptoms plus a check of strength, reflexes, sensation, and movement.
X-ray
Shows disc-space narrowing, bone spurs, and the alignment of the spine.
MRI
The best test for the discs and nerves, showing dried-out or bulging discs and any nerve pressure.
CT scan
Detailed bone views, useful when an MRI is not possible or more bone detail is needed.
How is degenerative disc disease treated?
The large majority of people are managed without surgery. Surgery is considered mainly for nerve compression or pain that does not improve.
Physical therapy & exercise
Core-strengthening, stretching, posture, and activity changes are the foundation of care for most people.
Medication & injections
Anti-inflammatory medicines and, in some cases, epidural steroid injections can ease pain and nerve irritation.
Decompression
If a worn or bulging disc is pressing on a nerve, surgery can relieve that pressure.
Fusion or disc replacement
In selected cases, fusing the segment or replacing the disc may be considered, when it is truly needed.
Least invasive first
For most disc-related back and neck pain, Dr. Khan starts with non-surgical care and gives it time to work. Surgery is considered when non-surgical care has not helped enough, when a nerve is clearly compressed with weakness, or when there are warning signs.
Every case is reviewed by Dr. Khan personally, and surgery is recommended only when the benefit clearly outweighs the risk. You will get a clear, honest explanation of the trade-offs, with time for your questions. Second opinions are welcome →
What shapes the plan
Recovery and what to expect
Degenerative disc disease is usually managed over the long term rather than "cured." With non-surgical care, the goal is fewer and milder flare-ups, better function, and a home exercise routine you keep up to protect your spine.
If surgery is needed, recovery depends on the procedure. A simple decompression often allows a quicker return to activity, while a fusion needs months for the bones to heal. Your care team will explain your specific timeline and activity limits. These are general patterns, not a promise about any one person's recovery.
Follow-up visits let Dr. Khan track your progress and adjust the plan over time.
General recovery patterns
Spine care from a neurosurgeon focused on the nerves
Shah-Naz Khan, MD, FRCSC, FAANS is a fellowship-trained neurosurgeon whose practice includes the full range of spine disorders, from everyday degenerative conditions like disc disease to complex spinal problems. As a neurosurgeon, she focuses on the nerves and spinal cord, not just the bones of the spine.
She founded the Institute of General and Endovascular Neurosurgery in Flint, Michigan in 2014 on a simple standard: excellence, ethics, and integrity. Every case is personally evaluated by Dr. Khan, surgery is recommended only when it is truly in your best interest, and second opinions are genuinely welcomed. Explore spine care →
Why patients choose IGEN
- Board-certified, fellowship-trained neurosurgeon
- Treats the full range of spine disorders, conservative and surgical
- Every case personally reviewed by Dr. Khan, not delegated
- Least-invasive-first, surgery only when the benefit outweighs the risk
- Second opinions welcomed
Degenerative disc disease: frequently asked questions
What is degenerative disc disease?
What are the symptoms of degenerative disc disease?
Is degenerative disc disease serious?
What is the difference between degenerative disc disease and a herniated disc?
Can degenerative disc disease be treated without surgery?
Does degenerative disc disease get worse over time?
What exercises help degenerative disc disease?
Do I need a referral to see Dr. Khan about back or neck pain?
Back or neck pain that keeps flaring up? Get a clear plan.
Whether you were told you have degenerative disc disease or you are still looking for answers, Dr. Khan will review your case personally and walk you through your options, from conservative care to surgery, calmly and honestly.
- Request a consultation by phone or through the contact form.
- Share any MRI, CT, X-ray, or reports you already have.
- Meet Dr. Khan for a personal review and a clear, honest plan.
- Our team will follow up to confirm your appointment .