Degenerative disc disease symptoms can arise when a portion of a deteriorating intervertebral disc makes contact with a tear in the disc’s outer wall, the spinal cord, or a nearby nerve root. This can occur if the inner, inflammatory, gel-like disc material leaks through the outer wall (herniated disc) or if the outer wall loses its shape and extends beyond its normal boundary and juts into nerve passageways in the spinal column.

A deteriorated disc can also indirectly lead to symptoms if the resulting reduction in spinal stability causes stiffness, or if it prompts the body to produce extra growths of bone, known as osteophytes. The symptoms produced can include localized pain, pain that radiates to another region of the body, and tingling, numbness, or muscle weakness in the extremities. More than 90 percent of people who experience back pain, neck pain, or other symptoms associated with degenerative disc disease (DDD) are able to manage those symptoms without surgery, often using methods that can be conducted in the comforts of home – under the direction of a healthcare provider, of course.

Conservative Treatment Methods

Degenerative disc disease symptoms generally respond well to conservative treatment, but it is never a good idea to attempt self-treatment before consulting with a doctor. Without a proper diagnosis and individualized treatment plan, there is a danger that the symptoms could be exacerbated, or the underlying condition might remain untreated. On the other hand, a doctor will rely heavily on input from the patient before deciding on the initial course of treatment, which may include:

– Over-the-counter non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and analgesics for swelling and pain

– Prescription-strength narcotics for extreme pain and sleeplessness

– Exercises designed to strengthen the muscles of the neck or back in order to provide the discs and other components of the spinal anatomy with extra support

– Stretching techniques that improve the flexibility of the back or neck and relieve pressure in the spinal column

– Low-impact cardiovascular exercise to improve circulation, thereby enhancing the body’s ability to deliver vital nutrients to the affected areas

– Physical therapy and behavior modification training geared toward improving posture and learning how to avoid particular activities that may exacerbate symptoms

– Injections of corticosteroid compounds to temporarily reduce inflammation in the affected area of the spine

– Alternative methods of treatment, including chiropractic adjustment, acupuncture, yoga, Tai Chi, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), neck or back bracing, decompression table therapy, herbal remedies, and more

The Patient’s Responsibility

Once an initial treatment plan has been developed, it is the patient’s responsibility to remain in contact with the healthcare provider and to follow instructions to the letter. An open line of communication is necessary especially when and if a particular form of treatment either proves ineffective or actually makes things worse. Not all conservative treatment methods for managing degenerative disc disease symptoms are right for everyone, and it may require a period of trial and error to determine the correct combination of treatments.

About 10 percent of patients find that no combination of conservative, at-home treatment is enough, and they begin to explore their surgical options. Before committing to any kind of spine surgery, it is vital to seek a second and third opinion, do some research on the surgeries recommended, and be sure to exhaust any and all conservative treatment options.

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 the treatment of degenerative disc disease and several other spinal conditions.

Patrick Foote is the Director of eBusiness at Laser Spine Institute. Laser Spine Institute specializes in safe and effective outpatient procedures for the treatment of degenerative disc disease and other spinal conditions. http://www.laserspineinstitute.com/back_problems/degenerative_disc_disease/

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 the treatment of degenerative disc disease and several other spinal conditions.

Category: Medicines and Remedies
Keywords: Degenerative disc disease