Degenerative Disc Disease Treatments

Disc degeneration can occur for many reasons---injury, infection or just the spine wearing down over time. Degenerative disc disease can cause pain and stiffness, making it hard to perform daily activities. The pain can spread to the groin and legs as well. Here are some possible treatments for degenerative disc pain.

Temperature

• Ice packs or heating pads can help dull degenerative disc pain.

Painkillers

• Over-the-counter painkillers, like acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil) or aspirin can also ease degenerative disc pain.

Prescription Drugs

• Your doctor can prescribe stronger painkillers if over-the-counter products no longer work.

Exercise

• Physical therapy and exercises that strengthen the back can help the spine support the upper body.

Disc Replacement

• Surgery can remove the damaged disc. Your surgeon can then replace the disc with an artificial one.

Other Surgery

• If your spinal health doesn't permit artificial disc replacement, the surgeon may remove the damaged disc and fuse the surrounding vertebrae together. You may need to have an implant put in place.