What can you do for degenerative changes in the cervical spine?
For neck pain stemming from cervical degenerative disc disease, a doctor will typically recommend one or a combination of the following treatment options:
- Rest or lifestyle modification.
- Pain management with medication or injections.
- Ice and/or heat therapy.
What does degeneration of cervical spine mean?
Degenerative cervical spine disease (cervical spondylosis) is osteoarthritis of the spine, which includes the spontaneous degeneration of either disc or facet joints. Presenting symptoms include axial neck pain and neurological complications.
How do you treat spinal degenerative changes?
Treatment may include occupational therapy, physical therapy, or both, special exercises, medications, losing weight, and surgery. Medical options include injecting the joints next to the damaged disc with steroids and a local anesthetic. These are called facet joint injections.
What is the best treatment for degeneration of the spine?
Degenerative disc disease surgery might include spinal fusion, or replacing the discs with artificial discs….To manage pain and improve the health of your joints, you can:
- Lose weight.
- Stop smoking.
- Exercise.
- Modify exercise that aggravates your back.
- Do physical therapy exercises.
- Use heat and cold therapy.
- Wear a back brace.
How fast does cervical degenerative disc disease progress?
The degenerative process of the spinal disc may start gradually or suddenly, but progresses over 2 to 3 decades from severe and at times even disabling bouts of pain to a state in which the spine is restabilized and the pain is diminished.
Can you live a normal life with degenerative disc disease?
Can you live a normal life with degenerative disc disease? The answer is yes, even it forces you to be out of work for an extended amount of time. Do not give up. There are many methods of pain relief that you can do at home that can help you live a normal life.
Can my neck degeneration be reversed?
Answer: Unfortunately, there’s currently no cure for degenerative disc disease, and once you’re diagnosed with DDD, it’s typically a lifelong journey of learning to live with back pain, neck pain, or other symptoms. Once your discs begin to degenerate, you can’t really reverse the process.
How should you sleep when you have degenerative disc disease?
Degenerative disc disease Sleeping on the stomach is typically preferred, as this position can relieve pressure on the disc space. People with degenerative disc disease may feel most comfortable using a relatively firm mattress while placing a flat pillow under the stomach and hips.
What happens if degenerative disc disease is left untreated?
Without appropriate treatment, degenerative disc disease can cause lasting, debilitating back pain. The pain may become so severe that you find it difficult to carry out your normal daily activities. It can interfere with your mobility and your overall quality of life.
What vitamins are good for degenerative disc disease?
Degenerative disc diseases (DJD) can damage the connective tissues as well. Adequate dietary protein, along with vitamins A, B6, C, E and minerals such as zinc and copper are essential for maintaining strong and healthy connective tissue.