If you've been battling stubborn back pain that just won’t go away—despite rest, medications, or even physical therapy—it may be more than just a pulled muscle or strain. One of the most commonly overlooked sources of chronic back pain is disc damage, a condition that can fly under the radar but have a major impact on your quality of life.

What Is Disc Damage?

Your spine is made up of vertebrae cushioned by intervertebral discs—gel-like structures that absorb shock and allow flexibility. Over time or due to injury, these discs can deteriorate, tear, or lose hydration, leading to painful conditions like degenerative disc disease (DDD), herniated or bulging discs, or annular tears (small but painful rips in the disc’s outer layer). Disc damage often causes nerve irritation, stiffness, and even radiating pain into the legs or arms (like sciatica). Unlike muscle pain, disc-related pain tends to persist or worsen with certain movements, such as sitting for long periods, bending, or twisting.

Why It’s Often Misdiagnosed

Disc damage doesn’t always show up clearly on standard imaging, and symptoms can mimic other issues. That’s why many patients are told their pain is nonspecific or given general treatments that don’t address the root cause. At California Sports & Spine Institute, we go beyond basic diagnostics with advanced imaging and comprehensive assessments to uncover the true source of your pain.

What Are Your Treatment Options?

The good news is that not all disc issues require surgery. Our team specializes in non-surgical, functional, and regenerative treatments, including:

The Discseel® Procedure – an innovative, non-surgical option that repairs damaged discs using fibrin, a natural sealing agent

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy – uses your body’s own healing factors to reduce inflammation and promote tissue repair

Epidural Injections – provide targeted relief from nerve irritation

Physical rehabilitation – strengthens support muscles and restores healthy movement patterns

Minimally invasive nerve treatments – help block or reset pain signals

Don’t Settle for Living in Pain

If your back pain is persistent, don’t assume it’s normal or just something you have to live with. Identifying and addressing disc damage early can prevent further degeneration and help you reclaim your active lifestyle.

Call California Sports & Spine Institute today to schedule a comprehensive evaluation at one of our convenient locations in Arcadia, Glendale, or Palmdale.

Call (818) 338-6860 or (626) 460-1096 to schedule your consultation at the location most convenient for you:

📍 Arcadia: 51 N. 5th Ave Suite B, Arcadia, CA 91006

📍 Glendale: 317 S Brand Blvd Suite A-104, Glendale, CA 91204

📍 Palmdale: 41210 11th Street West, Suite K, Palmdale, CA 93551

Let us help you get to the root of your pain—and back to the life you love.