Degenerative Disease At Bay

Dr. Anders Cohen Helps Keep Degenerative Disease At Bay

Degenerative diseases can suddenly manifest without warning. Dr. Anders Cohen can help prevent the sudden occurrence of degenerative diseases, especially in vulnerable areas like the back and spine.

Ideally, the spinal discs are aligned strategically to allow slight movement of the vertebrae. This assures flexible back movement and good posture. However, aging, external factors, and everyday wear and tear can cause the drying and hardening of the intervertebral fibrocartilage of the spine. Older people are especially vulnerable since the onset of the aging process can dehydrate the spine’s inner nucleus pulposus, hence limiting its shock-absorbing ability. If unchecked, the damage to the spine can gradually lead to degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, causing insistent back and neck pain, and radiating pain of the extremities.

Dr. Anders Cohen can help prevent this from happening to anyone. As chief of the Department of Neurosurgery and Spine Surgery at The Brooklyn Hospital Center, he can perform a complete physical examination to determine the spinal conditions. The examination usually consists of various tests to determine flexibility, range of motion, muscle weakness, reflex activity, and presence of pain.

The first signs of degenerative disc disease involve muscle weakening, numbness and tingling, and slow reflexes. The initial symptoms are often faint, and a clinical eye is therefore crucial in ascertaining whether the patient is affected by degenerative disc disease or by some other ailment. Dr. Cohen advises regular consultations for early prevention.

There are many options for treatment of degenerative disc disease. Dr. Cohen’s practice is to make sure that his patients are well-informed about their choices. He helps patients carefully weigh the risks and benefits of various procedures, for instance non-surgical versus surgical treatments.

Truly, Dr. Anders Cohen makes prevention easy and convenient so that patients can continue with their active lives.