What can be done for degenerative disc?
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. They can provide effective pain relief.
Can a degenerative disc ever heal?
No, degenerative disc disease cannot heal on its own. Many treatments for degenerative disc disease focus on reducing symptoms. Some people experience more severe or longer-lasting symptoms than others.
What does it mean when you have a deteriorating disc?
Degenerative disk disease is when normal changes that take place in the disks of your spine cause pain. Spinal disks are like shock absorbers between the vertebrae, or bones, of your spine. They help your back stay flexible, so you can bend and twist. As you get older, they can show signs of wear and tear.
Can dehydrated discs heal?
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 do you fix a dehydrated disc?
How is it treated?
- Medication. Pain relievers, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil) and naproxen (Aleve) can help reduce pain.
- Massage therapy. Relaxing the muscles near the affected vertebrae can help relieve painful pressure.
- Physical therapy.
- Spinal injections.
Can degenerative disc disease go away on its own?
Although degenerative disc disease won’t completely go away on its own, many patients find symptoms respond favorably to simple lifestyle changes, such as: Following a healthy diet.
What are the stages of degenerative disc disease?
Lifting heavy items incorrectly by not using the legs, twisting while lifting, and trauma can all damage the disks. Degenerative disc disease is broken down into three stages: dysfunction, instability, and restabilization or auto-fusion. Each stage has associated signs, symptoms, and duration.
How do you get degenerative disc disease?
Degenerative disc disease happens when one or more discs between the vertebrae (bones in your spine) wear down. Discs act like a cushion between your vertebrae and help to stabilize your spine. Degenerative disc disease commonly occurs in the neck or lower back as you get older.
What is the treatment for degenerative disc disease?
Degenerative disc disease can usually be treated with a combination of pain management techniques, physical therapy, and other approaches.