With advancements in regenerative medicine, 2026 marks a breakthrough year for degenerative disc disease management. The global degenerative disc disease treatment market is projected to grow from $34.3 billion in 2025 to $57.8 billion by 2032, fueled by minimally invasive techniques, biologics, and cell-based therapies.

At the heart of Beverly Hills, The Spine Pro—founded by Dr. Hooman Melamed, a board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon—offers a modern, compassionate approach to spinal health. With over 20 years of experience and recognition as a Castle Connolly Top Doctor and multiple-time SuperDoctors award recipient, Dr. Melamed is known nationwide for his expertise in minimally invasive spine surgery and holistic, narcotic-free treatment philosophy.

For those struggling with chronic back or neck pain, particularly from degenerative disc disease, The Spine Pro provides some of the most advanced, evidence-based treatment options available in 2026.

What Is Degenerative Disc Disease?

Degenerative disc disease is one of the most common causes of chronic back pain, affecting millions of Americans each year. Despite its name, it’s not actually a “disease” but rather a natural age-related condition where the discs between vertebrae lose their strength, flexibility, and ability to cushion the spine.

Healthy spinal discs support movement, absorb shock, and promote weight-bearing activities. Over time, however, wear and tear, reduced hydration, and micro-injuries cause these discs to lose height and resilience. This leads to inflammation, stiffness, and pain that can radiate into the arms or legs, depending on which region of the spine is affected.

What Causes Degenerative Disc Disease?

Aging remains the leading cause of disc degeneration, but lifestyle and genetics also play key roles. The spinal discs contain very little blood supply, which limits their ability to self-repair after injury. Over time, this can lead to their gradual breakdown and chronic pain.

Common contributing factors include:

• Disc dehydration: Discs lose water content with age, making them less effective as shock absorbers.
• Repetitive strain: Physical labor, poor posture, or sports injuries can accelerate wear.
• Genetics: Some individuals are predisposed to early degeneration.
• Smoking: Reduces oxygen flow to the discs, hindering healing.
• Excess body weight: Adds pressure on the lumbar spine and accelerates disc collapse.
• Spinal conditions: lumbar radiculopathy (sciatica) and spondylolisthesis

In some cases, a sudden injury—like a fall or car accident—can also trigger or worsen degeneration.

Common Symptoms and Early Warning Signs

Degenerative disc disease can appear subtly, with symptoms ranging from mild discomfort to disabling pain. It most commonly affects adults between 30 and 50 years old, though it can appear earlier in athletes or those with physically demanding jobs.

Typical symptoms include:

• Pain that worsens when sitting, bending, or lifting.
• Relief when standing, walking, or lying down.
• Flare-ups that come and go, lasting days or weeks.
• Radiating pain, numbness, or tingling in arms or legs.
• Muscle weakness or “foot drop,” indicating nerve involvement.

Since degenerative disc disease can mimic other spinal conditions, an accurate diagnosis through imaging and neurological assessment is essential. At The Spine Pro, Dr. Melamed uses advanced diagnostic imaging and functional movement assessments to pinpoint the exact source of pain before developing a personalized treatment plan.

Evidence-Based Non-Surgical Treatment Options

At The Spine Pro, surgery is always the last resort. Dr. Melamed’s approach begins with conservative and regenerative treatments to support the body’s natural healing processes. His narcotic-free model focuses on addressing inflammation, improving posture, and optimizing spinal alignment.

Common non-surgical treatments include:

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and other anti-inflammatories: To manage swelling and pain.
• Physical therapy: Customized programs that strengthen the core and restore spinal stability.
• Epidural steroid injections: Targeted pain relief at inflamed nerve roots.
• Radiofrequency ablation: Temporarily disables pain-signaling nerves.
• Spinal cord stimulation: Uses mild electrical pulses to interrupt pain signals.
• Acupuncture and manual therapies: Enhance circulation and release muscle tension.
• Nutritional and lifestyle counseling: Focused on reducing inflammation through diet and movement.

Currently, drug therapy (e.g., NSAIDs, steroids, muscle relaxants) continues to dominate the preferred treatment options due to established efficacy and widespread use, though device-based and biologic treatments are growing steadily in market share. As these advancements continue to reshape spinal care, Dr. Melamed integrates both proven conservative treatments and emerging therapies into a personalized, holistic approach. This integrative, whole-body strategy has helped over 90% of The Spine Pro’s patients avoid surgery and maintain long-term spinal health.

Surgical Treatment Options When Conservative Care Fails

When non-surgical treatments are not enough, Dr. Melamed offers state-of-the-art, minimally invasive degenerative disc disease surgery that reduces trauma, minimizes scarring, and promotes faster recovery.

Spinal Fusion

In cases of severe instability, spinal fusion may be necessary. It stabilizes the spine by permanently joining two vertebrae with bone grafts and specialized hardware. However, Dr. Melamed uses fusion only when absolutely essential, often favoring motion-preserving alternatives.

Artificial Disc Replacement (ADR)

Artificial disc replacement entails replacing a damaged disc with an artificial one, restoring both disc height and mobility. This approach helps prevent adjacent-segment degeneration and maintains a more natural range of motion.

Recovery, Prognosis, and Quality of Life Improvements

The majority of patients treated at The Spine Pro experience substantial improvement within weeks and long-term pain relief. Non-surgical patients often recover through ongoing therapy and posture training, while those undergoing minimally invasive surgery typically return to normal activities in 2–4 weeks.

Dr. Melamed’s recovery programs emphasize core strengthening, anti-inflammatory nutrition, and ergonomic retraining, helping patients maintain their results and prevent recurrence. For many, this holistic approach leads to substantial relief, improved function, and a renewed quality of life.

Even after successful treatment, ongoing prevention is key. The following simple daily habits can slow the progression of degeneration and protect your spine for years to come:

• Maintain a healthy weight to reduce stress on the spine.
• Engage in low-impact exercise such as swimming, yoga, or Pilates.
• Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
• Practice good posture at work and during leisure activities.
• Take regular breaks from sitting—motion keeps discs nourished.

By embracing these lifestyle habits and continuing with follow-up care, patients can dramatically improve their spinal longevity and comfort.

Make an Appointment With Dr. Melamed

If you’re living with chronic back or neck pain, now is the time to take action. At The Spine Pro in Beverly Hills, Dr. Melamed and his team specialize in helping patients restore spine health through precision-based, minimally invasive, and regenerative treatments.

With his national reputation for excellence, patient-centered philosophy, and focus on non-surgical recovery, Dr. Melamed has become one of California’s most trusted names in spinal care.

Call (424) 21-SPINE to schedule your consultation. Take the first step toward lasting relief, restored mobility, and a healthier spine—today.