Neck · cervical discs
Neck pain or stiffness may occur. Symptoms extending into an arm or hand call for assessment of possible nerve involvement.
Degenerative Disc Disease · Shelton, Connecticut
Disc changes.
A clearer way forward.
Told you have degenerative discs in your neck or lower back? Start with an evaluation that connects the report to your symptoms, daily activities and care goals.
Understand the condition
Understand the finding before choosing care.
Degenerative disc disease describes changes in the spinal discs as they age, including loss of water and height. These changes can occur in the neck or lower back, but do not always cause pain. Imaging findings need to be considered alongside your symptoms and examination.
Back · lumbar discs
Lower-back discomfort may flare with sitting, bending or lifting. Describe any symptoms extending into your buttock or leg.
Your daily priorities
Tell us what you want to do more comfortably: drive, work at a desk, walk with your family or sleep through the night.
Your evaluation
Make your visit
about your situation.
Bring your existing MRI or X-ray reports, previous treatment history and a list of questions. Dr. Dalfino will discuss your symptoms and examine your movement and function. Let us know about prior spine surgery, changes in strength or sensation, and any recent injuries.
Explain what you would like to do more comfortably, whether that means work, sleep, exercise or everyday tasks. Your goals help focus the conversation.
Meet Dr. Dalfino →Care planning
Choose the next step
with a clearer picture.
At our Shelton center, the discussion begins with whether you are an appropriate candidate for the services we offer. Ask about DRX9000 spinal decompression for lumbar or cervical disc concerns, how suitability is assessed, and what progress would look like in your case. A diagnosis alone does not determine which treatment you should receive.
Care planning can include an appropriate activity or rehabilitation plan and coordination with other providers. Our aim is to help you make an informed decision about symptom management and everyday function; we do not promise to reverse disc degeneration or rebuild discs.
When to seek prompt medical attention
Seek urgent medical assessment for new or worsening weakness or difficulty walking. New loss of bladder or bowel control, or numbness around the groin or saddle area, requires emergency assessment. Tell a clinician promptly about fever, a major injury or severe unexplained pain.
Common questions
A little more clarity.
Does degeneration on an MRI always explain pain?
No. Disc changes can exist without symptoms. Your history and examination help determine whether a finding is relevant to your complaint.
Does this page cover neck and lower-back discs?
Yes. Cervical refers to the neck and lumbar refers to the lower back. We assess your specific region and discuss whether our services fit your situation.
Can treatment restore a worn disc?
We do not promise disc regeneration or reversal of degeneration. Discuss realistic symptom and activity goals, how progress will be reviewed and when another opinion may be needed.
Related care
Keep exploring.
Meet your doctor
Dr. James J. Dalfino →
Your next step
Start with a conversation.
Leave with a direction.
Schedule an individual consultation and examination at our Shelton center. Bring your questions, your records and the goals that matter to you.
$99 New Patient Special
Consultation, examination, report of findings and first treatment when appropriate.
Schedule My New Patient Visit2 Trap Falls Road, Suite 208 · Shelton, CT 06484
(203) 922-9277
Patient education sources
General educational resources. These organizations do not endorse this practice or its services. Individual recommendations require an examination.