Degenerative Disc Disease: Pros & Cons
-
Progression
-
Although a problem related to degenerative disc disease--such as a thin disc that becomes herniated--causes almost immediate pain, the disease itself is not fast acting. Many people have DDD for years or even decades without any significant problems.
Smoking
-
If you smoke, you can actually slow the progression of degenerative disc disease by giving up cigarettes. Healthy discs contain a lot of water. Smoking makes them dry out faster.
Pain Management
-
Mild to moderate pain from degenerative disc disease can be managed with exercise, massage, chiropractic care or drugs.
Surgery
-
When pain is severe, surgical techniques are available. Herniated discs often can be fixed with out-patient surgery. If the degeneration of a disc is severe, the two vertebrae around the deteriorated disc can be surgically fused together to create one "new" disc.
Warnings
-
See a doctor if pain is severe, causes numbness or travels down the leg.
-