Degenerative disc disease, which commonly affects individuals over the age of 50, can produce painful symptoms that interfere with daily life. When a spinal disc deteriorates, it can become brittle and susceptible to bulges or ruptures when placed under pressure. A damaged disc, in turn, can come in contact with a nearby nerve root or put pressure on the spinal cord, resulting in symptoms that radiate along a nerve pathway to other areas of the body.

If you are wondering what your options are for finding degenerative disc disease pain relief, you will be happy to learn that many patients are able to find relief without surgery.

Managing degenerative disc disease pain through conservative therapies

If symptoms related to degenerative disc disease are interfering with your ability to lead a normal, active lifestyle, there are a variety of conservative and alternative treatment options that, when attempted for several weeks, could help alleviate your pain and other symptoms. Some possibilities include:

• Over-the-counter pain and anti-inflammatory medications
• Alternating ice and heat on the affected area
• Massage therapy
• Physical therapy
• Chiropractic manipulation
• Corticosteroid injections
• Managed periods of rest
• Restorative yoga and Pilates
• Lifestyle adjustments to help reduce the strain on your spine

Surgical treatment for degenerative disc disease

While many individuals will find the degenerative disc disease pain relief they are looking for through conservative and alternative treatments, more severe cases may not respond to these therapies. If your symptoms persist after weeks or months of treatment, USA Spine Care can provide a free MRI review* to help determine if you are a candidate for minimally invasive spine surgery. Our procedures are a safer and effective alternative to open spine procedures.^

Contact USA Spine Care today to learn more.

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