When degenerative disc disease produces symptoms, it is typically because the spinal cord or a nerve root has become irritated by an anomaly related to the deterioration of an intervertebral disc. This nerve irritation and compression can give rise to localized back or neck pain, as well as pain that radiates to other parts of the body. Tingling, numbness, and muscle weakness also can occur in parts of the body innervated by the affected nerve.

The primary function of the spine’s bony infrastructure is to protect two components of the central nervous system: the spinal cord and nerve roots. The cord runs from the base of the neck to the lower back, while nerve roots branch off the cord in pairs at each vertebral level. There is limited space available for these neural components to begin with, and disc degeneration can restrict that space further still. This is not to say that the presence of degenerative disc disease automatically leads to the development of symptoms. In fact, many people with the condition never realize they have it, because the symptoms are either too mild to worry about or because there are no symptoms at all. On the other hand, some people experience back or neck pain that is so excruciating, it makes normal day-to-day activity a challenge.

Treatment for Degenerative Disc Disease Symptoms

Fortunately for those who experience debilitating, chronic symptoms caused by nerve compression associated with disc deterioration, surgery is rarely necessary. In most cases, once a degenerative disc disease diagnosis has been confirmed, the attending physician will work with the patient to develop a regimen of nonsurgical, conservative treatment methods. These include:

– Pain medication – over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicine and painkillers can be used to combat acute flare-ups, while more severe chronic pain might call for prescription-strength doses.

– Hot/cold treatment – application of a heat pack or heating pad increases blood flow and stimulates the healing process, while ice reduces swelling and numbs pain. A doctor might suggest alternating between them or using one or the other.

– Epidural injections – cortisone can be injected directly into the area of the impinged nerve, temporarily numbing the area or blocking pain signals. This method often requires more than one injection, and it is generally recommended to limit injections to no more than three in a 12-month period.

– Physical therapy, stretching, or exercise – under the close supervision or instruction of a trained therapist, many patients find relief performing low-impact aerobic exercises, such as walking or swimming.

– Alternative methods – although not universally accepted as effective, some patients have found relief through therapeutic massage, acupuncture, and chiropractic therapy.

Persistence Is Key

Not everyone will experience the same level of success with certain conservative treatment methods. A doctor and patient often will need to work together for several weeks or months to find the right combination of treatments in order to manage the pain and other symptoms associated with advanced degenerative disc disease. Only after all conservative methods have been exhausted should surgery become an option. Talk to your doctor about the risks and potential rewards of spine surgery, and make sure to research the difference between highly invasive open back surgery and minimally invasive procedures performed on an outpatient basis using advanced, endoscopic techniques.

Author Bio: Patrick Foote is the Director of eBusiness at Laser Spine Institute, the leader in endoscopic spine surgery. Laser Spine Institute specializes in safe and effective outpatient procedures for degenerative disc disease and several other spinal conditions.

Category: Medical Business
Keywords: Degenerative disc disease