The treatment options for degenerative disc disease can vary greatly from patient to patient. A fairly common condition in adults ages 50 and older, degenerative disc disease is characterized by the ongoing deterioration of the spinal discs, and it is most often the result of aging and years of daily stress on the spine.

Disc degeneration symptoms

After many years of serving as the spine’s shock absorbers, the spinal discs can begin to lose elasticity and water content and become brittle. When this occurs, a disc can flatten, bulge or tear, and a variety of symptoms can develop. Sometimes, a portion of the damaged disc will extend beyond its normal boundaries and into the spinal canal, putting pressure on the spinal cord or a nerve root. This can result in localized and radiating pain, muscle weakness, numbness and tingling.

Yoga poses to treat degenerative disc disease

There are many different conservative and alternative degenerative disc disease treatment options that can help manage the symptoms of this condition. Yoga, for example, can help to stretch and strengthen the muscles around the spine to potentially reduce symptoms. Some of the more popular yoga poses that can accomplish this goal include:

• Child’s pose. Begin on all fours with your arms extended straight in front of you. Then, sit back on your heels while keeping your arms straight out. Hold for 30 seconds to a minute and repeat.
• Downward-facing dog. A good lower backstretch, this pose is accomplished by starting on your hands and knees with your hands slightly in front of your shoulders. Raise your knees off the floor and lift your tailbone toward the ceiling to stretch the large muscles in your lower back.
• Cat and cow pose. Start on all fours on the ground then slowly arch your back to move into the cat pose. After a few seconds, press your shoulder blades back and lift your head to create the cow pose. Repeat as needed.

While many individuals will find the relief they are looking for using a combination of treatments such as yoga and other nonsurgical options for several months, neck or back surgery may need to be considered if the symptoms persist. USA Spine Care is the leader in minimally invasive spine surgery, which offers many advantages over traditional open neck or back surgery.^ If you’d like to learn more about the outpatient degenerative disc disease treatment options we offer, contact USA Spine Care today.

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