Degenerative joint disease, also known as osteoarthritis, is a condition where inflammation develops in the joints of the spine due to age-related degeneration of the joint’s protective cartilage and fluid. Typically, these structures are responsible for lubricating the joint, allowing it to move smoothly. However, when they dry out, bone-on-bone contact can occur, leading to localized and radiating pain as well as stiffness associated with activities such as bending, lifting or twisting. To relieve these symptoms, there are a variety of at-home remedies described below that you can try prior to requiring surgery.

Nonsurgical treatments for degenerative joint disease

Typically, conservative treatment is initially suggested to relieve degenerative joint disease, depending on the progression of your condition. This may include the following nonsurgical therapies:

1. Pain medications — like acetaminophen can help keep pain under control under the discretion of your doctor
2. Anti-inflammatories — like ibuprofen help to block substances that contribute to pain and inflammation
3. Massage therapy — will help to relax stiff muscles around the spine as well as reduce the pain and swelling associated with degenerative joint disease
4. Acupuncture — inserts needles into the skin to stimulate nerves and help with the healing process
5. Chiropractic care — manually manipulates a spine to relieve the pressure on the spinal nerves and restore blood flow
6. Herbal supplements — like turmeric helps to relieve inflammation as well as the pain and stiffness associated with degenerative joint disease
7. Low-impact exercises — like walking, swimming or biking can help build up your strength, increase circulation and stretch the muscles that support the joints
8. Hold and cold therapy — can help manage joint pain and stiffness as well as reduce swelling and inflammation by alternating hot and cold packs
9. Weight management — can help ease the pressure placed on your spine and ease the symptoms associated with degenerative joint disease
10. Intermittent periods of rest — can help reduce the stress on the joints and aid in repairing your damaged tissue

Surgical treatments for degenerative joint disease

If you do not find relief from the conservative treatments mentioned, then the minimally invasive spine surgery at USA Spine Care may be able to help you find the lasting relief that you have been searching for. To learn more about how our team can help you on the road to recovery, contact us today.

To relieve degenerative joint disease, our highly skilled surgeons use a small incision that is muscle sparing, resulting in a lower risk of complication and a shorter recovery period compared to traditional open spine surgery.^ To find out if you are a potential candidate for the procedures performed at our state-of-the-art facilities, reach out to our dedicated team and ask us for a free MRI review.*

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