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Treatments for Severe Degenerative Disc Disease

Degenerative disc disease is not actually a disease but a condition in which the discs that separate the vertebrae lose their flexibility and ability to cushion the spine. The condition can be hereditary, develop with old age or through an injury. It can affect any region of the spine but is most common in the lumbar region (lower back). Severe degenerative disc disease can be painful and debilitating. Though there is no known cure for the condition, it can be treated effectively through exercise, medication and, in extreme cases, surgery.

  1. Exercise

    • Aerobic exercise and strength conditioning are effective ways to keep the pain of DDS in check. Low-impact exercises like walking and swimming help increase the blood flow to the tissues in the back and increase mobility. Exercises like leg lifts and stretching regimens like yoga and Tai Chi are also effective ways to strengthen the lower back, improve posture and relieve stress on the spine. The ideal approach is to combine regular aerobic exercise with daily stretching and strengthening.

    Medication

    • The pain and inflammation of DDS can be controlled through anti-inflammatory medicines, pain relievers and, in some cases, steroids. Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs commonly used include ibuprofen, naproxen, acetaminophen and aspirin. Steroids are another effective way to relieve pain and swelling and provide almost instant relief, but they cannot be taken on a regular basis.

    Surgery

    • Surgery is rarely recommended as a course of treatment for DDS but is sometimes necessary. The goal of most surgeries is to limit the movement of the degenerated discs and decompress spinal nerves that are causing pain. A common procedure is spinal fusion, which involves permanently joining several spinals discs together to stabilize the spine. Another effective procedure is intradiscal electrothermal therapy (IDET), which uses a small catheter to deliver heat to degenerated discs that helps heal and shrink any tears in the tissue. While these procedures have proven effective in many cases, most doctors only use them after all other treatment options have been exhausted.

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