Degenerative disc disease is a painful condition that develops over time, often as a result of the natural aging process. In many cases, physicians will advise their patients to attempt a conservative treatment regimen before turning to surgery. Nonsurgical techniques for treating degenerative disc disease often include pain medications, anti-inflammatory medications and corticosteroid injections.

If you’re looking for a more holistic way to treat your condition, however, you may want to consider the following three natural degenerative disc disease treatment options:

• Supplements. Many people living with degenerative disc disease have found it helpful to take supplements as part of their treatment plan. White willow bark supplements, for example, can encourage blood flow and decrease swelling, which may help to alleviate your pain. Turmeric supplements can also lessen inflammation and relieve pain. Be sure to check with your physician before beginning to take any supplements, however, as certain ingredients can be harmful when combined with other medications that you may be taking.

• Acupuncture and acupressure. Acupuncture and acupressure are traditional Chinese treatment methods that involve stimulating the flow of energy in certain areas of the body. Acupuncture requires the use of thin needles, while acupressure instead involves massage. It is believed that acupuncture and acupressure can encourage the body to release serotonin and endorphins, thereby helping to relieve the pain caused by degenerative disc disease.

• Exercise and stretching. Although someone living with a painful condition such as degenerative disc disease may be hesitant to get up and move around, certain forms of exercise can actually help relieve neck and back pain. Yoga is an excellent form of exercise for many degenerative disc disease patients, as it allows them to stretch sore areas and strengthen the muscles needed to support the spine. Yoga can also promote mental well-being by encouraging relaxation and stress reduction.

If you’ve tried these natural treatment options (or other conservative treatment methods) but have not been able to find relief from your symptoms, you may want to consider the possibility of surgery to treat your condition. At USA Spine Care, we offer minimally invasive decompression and stabilization surgeries to treat degenerative disc disease. Please contact us to learn more about the benefits of our procedures. We can also offer you a free MRI review* that will help us determine whether you might be a candidate for our minimally invasive outpatient surgeries.

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