Degenerative disc disease is a condition in which the spinal discs gradually deteriorate. These discs provide cushioning throughout the spine and allow for movements like twisting and bending. Over time, one or more of these discs may become misshapen, resulting in symptoms of pain and discomfort that may require treatment.

Degenerative disc disease treatment

In many cases, degenerative disc disease treatment involves a conservative approach. After diagnosing this condition, your physician may recommend:

• Resting your back in limited amounts
• Over-the-counter medications
• Physical therapy
• Exercise and stretching techniques

Additionally, some patients choose to explore alternative therapies. Although the medical community has not reached a consensus about these approaches, some patients report that they find symptom relief through:

• Acupuncture
• Chiropractic manipulation
• Restorative yoga
• Herbal supplements

It is important to keep your doctor informed of any new treatment methods you are attempting.

Preventing degenerative disc disease

While degenerative disc disease is often caused by a combination of an individual’s genetic factors, age and lifestyle, there are certain steps that can be taken to keep the spine healthy. These measures can delay or avoid the development of degenerative disc disease, or they can aid in the treatment of symptoms if the condition does develop. These steps include:

• Having a healthy body weight and a balanced diet to reduce overall stress on the spine
• Staying hydrated, minimizing alcohol intake and quitting smoking
• Correcting poor posture to prevent undue stress in a particular area of the spine
• Exercising regularly to keep the muscles around the spine strong and flexible

In many cases, preventive measures and conservative degenerative disc disease treatment methods provide sufficient relief from symptoms of neck and back pain. However, when these measures are not taken, the condition can worsen and eventually require surgery. At USA Spine Care, we specialize in minimally invasive spine surgery to treat various spinal conditions and have helped more than 75,000 patients find relief from neck and back pain.

If you are interested in minimally invasive surgery at USA Spine Care to treat degenerative disc disease, contact us. We can provide a no-cost MRI review* to determine if you’re a candidate for one of our procedures.

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