Degenerative spine conditions involve the gradual loss of normal structure and function of the spine over time, usually as a result of the natural aging process. If you have a degenerative spine, you may be experiencing chronic neck or back pain that makes everyday activities, such as driving a car, doing the dishes and even sleeping much harder than it used to be. Tasks that involve standing for a long period of time can hurt, and ones that involve sitting for a long period of time can hurt as well, so what are you to do?

The answer lies in mixing both sitting and standing every 20 to 30 minutes. That is because when you have a degenerative spine and sit or stand for too long, it puts pressure on the already weakened structures of your spine. Moving the body intermittently helps change the forces on the spine and keep it healthy. If you work at a desk, there are several ways that you can keep your body moving and improve circulation in the spine, including:

• Converting your workspace into a height-adjustable or sit-stand desk
• Taking frequent walks around your home or office
• Flexing or stretching in ways that specifically target your core and back muscles

If you are suffering from symptoms caused by a degenerative spine, there are many treatment options that may help alleviate your pain. Pain medications, hot and/or cold therapy, steroid injections and physical therapy are just some of the methods your doctor may recommend to treat your condition. If conservative treatments are ineffective, the specialists at USA Spine Care offer minimally invasive spine surgery. These procedures require a less than 1-inch incision, can be done on an outpatient basis, and involve less recovery time than traditional open neck or back surgeries.

For more information about our minimally invasive spine surgeries and how they can help treat symptoms caused by a degenerative spine, contact USA Spine Care. When you call, we’ll help you set up a free MRI review* to determine whether you might be a candidate for our procedures.

Browse Related Resources