What is the best treatment for degenerative disc disease?
Treatment may include occupational therapy, physical therapy, or both, special exercises, medications, losing weight, and surgery. Medical options include injecting the joints next to the damaged disc with steroids and a local anesthetic. These are called facet joint injections. They can provide effective pain relief.
Can a degenerative disc ever heal?
No, degenerative disc disease cannot heal on its own. Many treatments for degenerative disc disease focus on reducing symptoms. Some people experience more severe or longer-lasting symptoms than others.
Can you become paralyzed from degenerative disc disease?
A severely herniated disc can cause paralysis. Disc herniation is most common in the lower back (lumbar spine) and neck (cervical spine).
What is the meaning of discogenic?
: originating in an intervertebral disk : produced by factors (such as herniation or deterioration) occurring in an intervertebral disk The placement of an artificial intervertebral disk can provide better functional results than spinal fusion in treating select patients with discogenic pain and spine instability …—
Does walking help degenerative disc disease?
Aerobic exercise. Regular aerobic exercise, such as walking, swimming, or taking a low-impact aerobics class, has been shown to help relieve pain, promote a healthy body weight, and improve overall strength and mobility—all important factors in managing DDD.
Does drinking water help degenerative disc disease?
Eventually, it can lead to pain and swelling and even a bulging disc or herniated disc. Drinking water to adequately replenish the discs with the amount water needed to work properly can reduce the likelihood of developing back pain.
How is discogenic pain treated?
Discogenic pain can usually be successfully treated with non-surgical treatments, such as pain medication and physical therapy and exercise, but chronic discogenic pain that is severe and limits the individual’s ability to function may need to be treated with surgery.
What is severe discogenic disease?
Simply put, degenerative disc disease refers to symptoms of back or neck pain caused by wear-and-tear on a spinal disc. In some cases, degenerative disc disease also causes weakness, numbness, and hot, shooting pains in the arms or legs (radicular pain).
What causes degenerative disc disease flare ups?
These flare ups can be caused by a simple action, such as bending over to tie your shoes, or twisting. Or, you can just experience this discomfort without being able to pinpoint the exact cause. You may experience a rise in pain for several days to several weeks before it diminishes.
Is sitting bad for degenerative disc disease?
Sitting puts you at a higher risk for sciatica, a herniated or slipped disc, degenerative disc disease, and of course lower back pain. Sitting with your hips and legs in a bent position causes joints, ligaments, and muscles to be under constant pressure and adds tension to your spinal discs.
Is spondylosis a chronic condition?
Spondylosis is a chronic condition. Surgery for patients with chronic low back pain is controversial, because while some studies do show improvements in pain and disability, most studies do not show improvement as compared to nonsurgical treatment such as physical therapy and pain management.
Is a heating pad good for degenerative disc disease?
Using heat from a heating pad, adhesive wrap, warm bath or other heat source can relax the surrounding muscles and reduce tension and spasms, a significant contributor to degenerative disc pain.
What can I do with degenerative disc disease?
How is degenerative disc disease treated? NSAIDs , such as ibuprofen, help decrease swelling, pain, and fever. Acetaminophen decreases pain. Prescription pain medicine may be given. Physical therapy may be recommended to decrease pain and help improve movement and strength. Spinal injections may help to decrease pain and inflammation around the disc.
What are the causes of degenerative disc disease?
Key points Degenerative disc disease isn’t actually a disease, but rather a condition in which a damaged disc causes pain. The condition can be caused by the drying out of the disc over time, daily activities, sports and injuries.
Can degenerative disc disease go away on its own?
Although degenerative disc disease won’t completely go away on its own, many patients find symptoms respond favorably to simple lifestyle changes, such as: Following a healthy diet.
What does a diagnosis of degenerative disc disease mean?
Diagnosis Degenerative disc disease is an age-related condition that happens when one or more of the discs between the vertebrae of the spinal column deteriorates or breaks down, leading to pain….
