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Degenerative Disc Treatment

Degenerative disc disease is a spinal condition where one or more discs become damaged as a result of injury or aging. Discs act as shock absorbers for the spinal cord. When a disc breaks down and loses its ability to act as a cushion, pressure is placed on the nerves, which causes pain. Pain is usually worse when sitting, bending or twisting.

  1. Pain Relief

    • The pain from degenerative disc disease is often treated with over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen. Heat or ice packs may also be applied to the painful area to help ease pain. Avoiding positions known to aggravate pain is also advised. If pain is severe and not relieved with over-the-counter treatments, prescription pain relievers like Vicodin, Darvocet, or Lortab may be necessary. In some cases, medications are injected into the joints in the spine in an effort to relieve pain and postpone surgery. The medications used for these injection are steroids and anesthetics.

    Spine Stabilization

    • A back brace or cervical collar might be worn in order to help stabilize the spine and prevent movement that causes pain. Physical therapy may also be indicated to help strengthen the muscles that support the spine.

    Lifestyle

    • Being overweight adds extra pressure and stress on your spine. Lose weight to become healthier and make your back feel better too. You may also help your back if you stop smoking. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, smokers have a lower threshold for back pain than nonsmokers do. Smokers also have a higher risk of complications should back surgery be required.

    Surgery

    • Degenerative disc disease that cannot be managed by less invasive methods may require surgery. A spinal fusion can virtually eliminate pain by inserting rods in the spine that removes pressure on the damaged disc. A disc replacement is a surgical procedure that removes the damaged disc and replaces it with an artificial one.

      Intradiscal electrothermal therapy (IDT) is a simple procedure done under local anesthesia as an outpatient. With this, a wire is inserted through the back into the damaged disc. The wire is then heated in an effort to strengthen the collagen surrounding the disc.

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