A physician who diagnoses a patient with a degenerative spine condition (facet disease, herniated discs, bulging discs, spondylolisthesis, etc.) has a vast assortment of treatments he or she can prescribe. Most physicians will initially recommend conservative, nonsurgical treatments, and will reserve surgery as a treatment of last resort. Below are some of the most commonly recommended conservative treatments; an assortment of the most popular alternative therapies; and information about the surgical procedures that can be used to treat degenerative spine conditions.

Conservative Treatments

Most patients who are diagnosed with degenerative spine conditions will be advised to utilize one or more of the following conservative treatments:

– Medication: Many patients are able to find the relief they require through the use of over-the-counter, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These drugs, including ibuprofen and naproxen, interfere with the body’s inflammatory response and help relieve mild to moderate pain. Patients who suffer from certain gastrointestinal or cardiovascular conditions may instead be advised to take an over-the-counter analgesic such as acetaminophen. If over-the-counter medications prove ineffective, a patient may be prescribed a narcotic pain reliever and/or muscle relaxant.

– Physical therapy: Working with physical therapists to strengthen and stretch specific muscles can help some patients achieve the level of relief they require. Physical therapy may involve other types of treatments, such as transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), massage therapy, spinal traction, and ultrasound therapy.

– Lifestyle modifications: Some patients can benefit from altering their unhealthy lifestyles in ways that can specifically improve spinal health. For instance, overweight patients can help relieve some of the pressure that is being placed on their spines by shedding excess pounds. Likewise, those who lead a sedentary lifestyle can benefit from becoming more physically active, and patients who use tobacco products or abuse alcohol can improve their spinal health by reversing these behaviors.

Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) Therapies

Many patients who suffer from chronic neck or back pain have benefited from the use of CAM therapies. It should be noted, however, that the medical community as a whole is in disagreement concerning the efficacy of CAM therapies. That said, patients who utilize CAM therapies to treat a degenerative spine condition may not want to put all their eggs in one basket, so to speak.

Some of the most popular CAM therapies used by patients who suffer from chronic neck and back pain include:

– Acupuncture

– Acupressure

– Chiropractic manipulation

– Aroma therapy

– Hypnotism

Surgical Treatment

The vast majority of patients who are diagnosed with degenerative spine conditions will find the relief they need from the use of conservative treatments and/or alternative therapies. Patients whose pain and discomfort has persisted despite several weeks or months of nonsurgical treatment may be advised to undergo an operation. Some patients may be candidates for minimally invasive procedures as an alternative to open back surgery. These endoscopic procedures are performed on an outpatient basis through an incision that is only about one inch long, and many patients are able to resume their daily activities within a few weeks of undergoing the procedure.

Patients who are interested in learning more about these procedures should reach out to their spine specialists.

John Soland is an experienced writer who has written for a number of notable publications. As a lifestyle expert, Mr. Soland is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to treatments for spinal conditions.

John Soland is an experienced writer who has written for a number of notable publications. As a lifestyle expert, Mr. Soland is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to treatments for spinal conditions. http://www.lsiphilly.com/

Author Bio: John Soland is an experienced writer who has written for a number of notable publications. As a lifestyle expert, Mr. Soland is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to treatments for spinal conditions.

Category: Medicines and Remedies
Keywords: spinal conditions