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.
Learn how lumbar degenerative disc disease can cause lower back pain and other symptoms.
Nonsurgical treatments for lumbar degenerative disc disease include heat therapy, medication, and exercise programs.
Alternative treatment approaches may be considered when medications and exercise fail to bring sufficient pain relief.
Discogenic pain must first be manageable before starting a rehabilitation program for the lower back. Several over-the-counter and prescription pain medications can bring pain down to a tolerable level.
In addition to discomfort of a major operation, lumbar fusion and artificial disc replacement require long periods of post-surgical rehabilitation. By Spine-health.com
Learn how intervertebral discs benefit from hydration and oxygenation and how a healthy diet plays a role in moderating low back pain from degenerative disc disease.
Learn four tips on how to modify common actions that can hurt a degenerated disc and how to relieve stress on the lower back.
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Surgery for a Degenerated Disc
Once the disc has been identified as the source of pain, surgery directly treats that source by removing the degenerated disc. Non-surgical interventions focus on managing the pain and improving back functionality.
If symptoms of lumbar degenerative disc disease are severe after 6 months of nonsurgical treatment, surgical options, including lumbar spinal fusion and artificial disc replacement, are available.
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