Many patients with degenerative disc disease will be able to find effective pain relief through nonsurgical methods of treatment. While doctors will often begin with physical therapy, medication and other conservative options, some patients may want to try a more natural or traditional approach to pain relief.

Alternative treatments for degenerative disc disease are intended to help reduce pressure on the pinched nerve and relieve the symptoms of pain using methods outside of conventional medicine. Although alternative approaches haven’t been fully accepted by the medical community, many patients have reported finding relief from their degenerative disc disease symptoms using them.

Chiropractic treatments

One of the most commonly used alternative degenerative disc disease treatments is chiropractic therapy.

Chiropractors manually adjust areas of the neck and back in order to address spinal problems and move the spine back into proper alignment. Techniques used can range from hot and cold therapies that relieve swelling, to manual adjustment in an attempt to realign vertebrae.

Acupuncture

Many patients have found lasting relief through the ancient practice of acupuncture. This method of traditional Chinese medicine uses thin needles inserted at specific points of the body with the intention of allowing energy to flow freely.

Acupressure uses the same philosophy, but it relies on massage — rather than needles — carefully applied to certain pressure points.

Herbal remedies

In addition to the above degenerative disc disease treatment options, many people have used herbal remedies to address spinal conditions, including degenerative disc disease. However, if you’re interested in using such an approach, be sure that you discuss your plans with your doctor before you begin any program. Herbal remedies can interact with over-the-counter and prescription medications and they may have other unintended effects.

Biofeedback

Another option that you might consider is biofeedback, an approach that teaches you to consciously control your body’s reactions. By attending multiple biofeedback sessions, you may be able to relax your neck and back muscles at will and possibly relieve your degenerative disc disease symptoms.

When to consider spine surgery

If these or other nonsurgical methods prove ineffective after fully attempting them for weeks or months, you may be a candidate for the minimally invasive spine surgery at USA Spine Care. Our minimally invasive decompression surgeries and minimally invasive stabilization surgeries offer patients a safer and effective alternative to traditional open neck or back surgery.^ Many of our patients with degenerative disc disease are recommended for one of our decompression procedures, however some patients may require a stabilization surgery if the damaged disc is destabilizing the spine.

To learn more about our minimally invasive procedures, contact USA Spine Care today. We can give you a free review of your MRI report or CT scan* to determine if you are a potential candidate for our procedures.

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