How Degenerative Disc Disease Can Be Treated

Degenerative disc disease is a spinal condition mostly affecting the elderly population. It can be treated effectively with non-surgical procedures including physical therapy, proper exercise, chiropractic treatment, spinal decompression, and more

Aging, physical strain, and misuse can cause the inter-vertebral discs to breakdown, leading to the spinal condition called degenerative disc disease. Relief from this condition depends on proper diagnosis and the use of the right treatment techniques. This is possible if you approach a multi-specialty center that specializes in the treatment of such painful spinal conditions.

Causes and Symptoms

The success of any medical treatment depends on finding the root causes of the problem. Aging, back injury, prolonged overexertion, obesity and genetic factors can affect the elasticity, flexibility, and shock-absorbing capacity of the inter-vertebral discs.

Symptoms may vary with patients depending on whether the lower spine or cervical spine) was affected. Some of the most common symptoms of degenerative disc disease are

• - Severe back pain during activity
• - Muscle spasms
• - Irritation and inflammation
• - Difficulty in bending, lifting and twisting
• - Tingling or numbness in legs and buttocks
• - Difficulty in walking

Treatment

At a professional health center, the first step would be careful diagnosis of the true cause of your ailment using advanced techniques such as an open MRI scan and thorough medical examination. After this, a customized treatment and pain management plan is carefully prepared which may consist of the following measures:

-Physical therapy: Physical therapy exercises help relieve pain and relax the muscles of the neck. The treatment program may include ice or heat to eliminate muscle spasm and inflammation, Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) and much more.

-Medication: Medications prescribed could include anti-inflammatory medication, analgesics, oral or steroid injections, and muscle relaxants.

-Chiropractic treatment: Established healthcare centers may also offer chiropractic care, a widely popular option to treat back pain. The treatment involves manual adjustments of the neck and back by a qualified and trained chiropractor. These adjustments help to correct misalignments of the spinal column.

-Spinal decompression: This therapy is administered using an FDA approved spinal decompression machine. It works to create a negative pressure within the damaged disc which pulls the herniated material back into the disc. This can reverse nerve impairment, mend the damaged spinal discs, and reduce the load of the spine.

A professional healthcare center would have a team of specialists from various fields which would ensure a comprehensive approach to treatment and care. Utilizing advanced modalities and proven treatment techniques to resolve degenerative disc disease, the right healthcare center can help patients can resume their normal activities and return to an active lifestyle.