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Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge
Bone & Joint Staff • June 18, 2021
Top 3 Degenerative Disc Disease Treatment Options

As you get older, chances are, you will have some level of degenerative disc disease. It’s only natural for the spongy, shock-absorbent discs between our vertebrae to age right along with the rest of our body. They can dry out, crack, and suffer general wear and tear that many of us will feel sooner or later. If you’re fortunate, the degeneration of these discs will be minimal, and you may never have any associated symptoms. However, for many, pain, limited range of motion, numbness, and weakness can occur, leaving them wondering how and where to find effective treatment.


Epidural Steroid Injections for Degenerative Disc Disease

Epidural steroid injections (ESIs) are a proven treatment for many forms of back pain, including pain associated with degenerative disc disease. These injections can make a significant, positive impact on the day-to-day lives of chronic pain sufferers by delivering a mix of pain-relieving anesthetic and inflammation-reducing steroid directly into the epidural space of the spine. When administered correctly by a skilled and knowledgeable physician, most patients can experience relief from their pain for months at a time. Most patients get an average of three to six months of relief. Sometimes subsequent injections may be needed to maintain results.


Physical Therapy for Degenerative Disc Disease

A strong and flexible back is key to preventing the pain often associated with degenerative disc disease, as well as to slowing the progression of the condition. A physical therapist, particularly one who specializes in orthopedic conditions, can offer many beneficial tools to patients. Stretches to improve flexibility and range of motion, strength building exercises, and education regarding proper posture are just a few. When started early enough, a targeted physical therapy plan can help minimize the development of degenerative disc disease and its impact on a patient’s life. Still, even if the condition has progressed and is accompanied by painful symptoms, PT can still provide great benefit and relief.


Spinal Fusion for Degenerative Disc Disease

Spinal fusion is a surgical technique used to fuse together two or more vertebrae in the spine. The purpose of the procedure is to eliminate motion between these vertebrae and any associated problems such as stretching of surrounding nerves, muscles, and ligaments. It is a viable option for pain relief in many patients who have spine instability due to degenerative disc disease and can protect the affected area from future problems as well.


Best Degenerative Disc Disease Doctors

The orthopedic specialists at the Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge can help you with all of these treatment options and many others, including stem cell injections. Together, you will be able to find the plan that works best for you and allows you to finally feel relief from your painful symptoms. To get started with any one of our doctors, click the button below.


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The Signs and Symptoms of a Torn Meniscus

The Signs and Symptoms of a Torn Meniscus

By The Bone & Joint Clinic Staff • February 11, 2025
Damage to the meniscus, which serves as a cushion between the thigh and shin bones, can cause severe pain and impair movement.
Understanding the Most Common Types of Arthritis and Managing It at Different Life Stages

Understanding the Most Common Types of Arthritis and Managing It at Different Life Stages

By The Bone & Joint Clinic Staff • January 31, 2025
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Bone & Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge Physician Practice Transition – Effective April 1, 2025

By Bone and Joint Clinic Staff • January 30, 2025
BATON ROUGE, LA, January 30, 2025 – Effective April 1, 2025, four distinguished orthopedic surgeons from The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge will transition to Baton Rouge Orthopedic Clinic (BROC), continuing their commitment to providing high-quality orthopedic care. The physicians joining BROC are: 1. Joseph "Jeb" Broyles, MD – Specializes in joint replacement surgery, knee arthroscopy, and cartilage regeneration. 2. Arthur "Art" Hess, MD – Specializes in trauma, hip, knee, and shoulder reconstruction, and total joint replacement surgery. 3. Mat hew "Matt" Mazoch, M D – Specializes in shoulder and knee surgery. 4. Alan Schroeder, MD – Specializes in sports medicine and shoulder surgery. Beginning April 1, 2025, these physicians will operate under BROC's umbrella while continuing to see patients at The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge's current location, 7301 Hennessy Blvd. Eventually, the doctors plan to transition to BROC's campus on Bluebonnet Blvd. The estimated timeline for that move is Summer/Fall 2025. In addition, Dr. Patrick Hall will be transitioning to his own practice, Hall Podiatry, that will continue to provide quality podiatric care to patients. Dr. Hall will continue to practice at 7301 Hennessy Blvd. until May/June 2025. After that date, patients may see him at a new nearby location. Dr. Zachary Rohr and Christopher Belleau will also transition their practice to a new location effective March 31, 2025. We will update our patients once those details are finalized. Dr. Gerard Murtagh of The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge will be retiring effective March 2025. Dr. Murtagh has been a vital part of the clinic since 1988 and has significantly contributed to its success. We thank Dr. Murtagh for his many years of service to the patients of Bone & Joint Clinic. Patients are encouraged to continue scheduling appointments at The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge using the current process for the foreseeable future. To ensure a seamless transition, The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge will provide detailed information to patients in the coming weeks, including the secure transfer of medical records and continuity of care. The health and well-being of patients remain the top priority, and The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge, BROC, and Hall Podiatry are working together to make this transition as smooth as possible while maintaining uninterrupted care. For more information or to schedule an appointment, patients can contact The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge at 225-766-0050 or by visiting bjcbr.com . Patients can also reach BROC at 225-924-2424 or by visiting brortho.com .
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