The focus of treatment for degenerative disc disease is to restore daily life through enhanced fitness, ergonomic changes, and improved posture.
Degenerative Disc Disease
Degenerative disc disease is a condition that is commonly misunderstood. A degenerated disc is not actually a disease—it is part of the normal aging of the spine. When a spinal disc degenerates, it loses its ability to function efficiently as part of the spinal joint, which in turn can lead to back pain and possibly pain that radiates through the extremities.
For people with painful flare-ups from degenerative disc disease, the main treatment goals will usually include pain control, exercise and rehabilitation, and lifestyle modifications.
How a Disc Becomes Painful
Before taking steps for long-term rehabilitation and pain control, it is often necessary for a patient to get relief from a flare-up of intense, debilitating pain associated with lumbar degenerative disc disease.
Lumbar degenerative disc disease refers to a condition in which age-related wear and tear on the discs of the lumbar spine cause symptoms of lower back pain.
Learn how lumbar degenerative disc disease can cause lower back pain and other symptoms.