Severe Degenerative Disc Disease

Severe degenerative disc disease is quite common and is likely one of the biggest attributes to lower back pain. Degenerative disc disease, as the name implies, will progress over a period of time. This is a degenerative condition that can be very painful, especially if there are damaged discs involved.

Considerations

• The degeneration of discs in the back is quite common as part of the aging process. However, not all people will experience symptoms. Those who do suffer from pain as a result of degenerative disc disease can be treated noninvasively with a number of treatment options.

Misconceptions

• Most people who have degenerative disc disease normally do not have consistent severe pain but are more apt to have episodes of pain that come and go. Mayo Clinic claims that the condition itself usually does not get worse.

Treatment Options

• Most people must learn how to manage degenerative disc disease in order to limit the flare ups. This is done through exercise and rehabilitation, preventing unnecessary stress on the discs by keeping good posture and pain medication.

Self Help

• Surgery for degenerative disc disease is not a front line approach because it is quite extensive. For that reason, it is always a favored option for people to try non-surgical measures.

Pain

• When pain is involved with degenerative disc disease, it is normally a result of inflammation at the site of the discs that are degenerated. This is why a blend of treatments is used for the best results, according to Mayo Clinic.