If you’re suffering from a degenerative spine disease such as degenerative disc disease or spinal arthritis, your physician has likely prescribed a regimen of conservative, nonsurgical treatments. He or she has also likely explained that it can take several weeks or months before you find relief from your symptoms of pain, numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness. Even knowing this, however, you may still become exceedingly discouraged and desperate for relief. If this explains your current situation, you may want to consult your physician to see if he or she can recommend any additional conservative treatments that might provide the relief you need. Below is an overview of some of the most commonly used nonsurgical treatments for degenerative spine disease; ask your physician if some of these treatments could be of benefit to you.

Medication

Many patients are able to find relief from the use of over-the-counter, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen. These drugs block the body’s production of COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes, which are partially responsible for inducing the body’s inflammatory response. If you’re already taking these medications under your physician’s guidance, then you may want to inquire about prescription pain relievers or muscle relaxants. These medications can sometimes provide relief when over-the-counter drugs are insufficient.

Cryotherapy / Thermotherapy

Cryotherapy involves the application of ice to a painful or inflamed part of the body. Applying ice for brief periods of time could help numb the pain you’re experiencing in your neck or back and may also help to reduce inflammation. Thermotherapy, on the other hand, involves the application of heat. A heating pad or other heat source can increase blood flow to the affected area, which may help in the healing process. It could also help reduce muscle tension, which may be contributing to your discomfort. Some patients benefit most from one therapy or another while other patients have optimal results when they alternate between the two; ask your physician what would be best for you.

Lifestyle Modifications

Altering your lifestyle could not only help you find relief now, but it could also keep you from developing other spinal conditions in the future. If you’re overweight, lead a sedentary lifestyle, smoke, or abuse alcohol, taking the necessary steps to reverse these behaviors could drastically improve your spinal health. Keep in mind that you should receive clearance from your physician before you begin any weight-loss program or exercise regimen. You may also need to consult your physician if you’ve abused alcohol for a significant amount of time.

Alternative Therapies

Though alternative therapies aren’t necessarily recognized by the medical community, many patients have attributed their pain relief to these practices. Popular therapies include acupuncture, acupressure, restorative yoga, chiropractic manipulation, and the use of herbal supplements, among many others. Ask your doctor before you begin any alternative therapy to make sure it doesn’t interfere with or counteract any of your doctor-recommended conservative treatments.

Surgery

If you’ve still not found relief after several weeks or months, you may want to ask your physician if surgical treatment is an option. You may also want to ask if you’re a candidate for a minimally invasive procedure. Unlike open neck or back surgeries, minimally invasive procedures are performed on an outpatient basis, through a very small incision. No musculature is dissected and, as a result, many patients recover more quickly and face a less arduous rehabilitation than those who undergo open spine surgeries. Keep in mind that surgical treatment (whether an open spine operation or a minimally invasive procedure) may not be entirely necessary. You should always receive a second – or even a third – opinion before you consent to any type of surgical treatment.

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 several degenerative spine conditions.

Patrick Foote is the Director of eBusiness at Laser Spine Institute, the leader in endoscopic spine surgery. Laser Spine Institute specializes in safe outpatient procedures for degenerative spine conditions. http://www.laserspineinstitute.com/back_problems/degenerative_spine/disorders/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 several degenerative spine conditions.

Category: Medicines and Remedies
Keywords: degenerative spine disease