Degenerative Disc Disease Treatment

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What is Degenerative Disc Disease? Degenerative disc disease (DDD) refers to the changes that happen during the body’s natural aging process. It is the weakening of one or more of the discs between the vertebrae in your spine that are losing cushioning. The nucleus (middle part of the disc) has a high water content that stores oxygen and nutrients. Degenerative disc disease causes the disc to lose water content and begin to flatten as shown in the picture. This condition usually occurs in the neck or the lower back. Degenerative disc disease is commonly the result of gradual, overuse, or degeneration of your spine caused by aging, or serious injury. The spine may lose flexibility causing a pinched nerve, leading to pain or weakness in the lower back or neck. Pain from disc disease is usually caused by instability of the spine and inflammation from the discs. Degenerative disc disease can cause symptoms such as: Pain in the legs, thighs, and buttocks that will worsen with standing Muscle spasms Numbness or tingling Stiffness or weakness in your muscles With this disc condition, there can sometimes be no physical symptoms. Additionally, this disease cannot be cured, but treatment can help the pain. It requires a medical diagnosis so consult your doctor for medical advice. Treatment for Lumbar Degenerative Disc Disease There are a number of non-surgical treatment options that can be done to help relieve disc pain. These include the following: Physical therapy and low-impact exercises Anti-inflammatory medications: to decrease pain and inflammation Proper posture: to prevent excess strain and stress on the disc Chiropractic practices: to provide lower back pain relief Massage: to provide back pain by improving blood flow, and reducing muscle stiffness Wearing degenerative disc back braces- to provide compression and support to the injured back (see braces above) Weight loss: can reduce low back pain in overweight people by taking pressure off the lower back Heat or ice