Degenerative Disc Disease (spondylosis) Treatment

Backbone. X-ray of narrowing discal joint space L5-S1 on the lumbar channel. Erosion of joints may indicate osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or arthrosis.

Degenerative disc disease treatment options range from simple bed rest to extensive surgery, so the treatment plan recommended for your case can depend on several factors such as your age, your overall health, and how significantly the pain is limiting your life and activities. Examples of degenerative disc disease treatment possibilities include:

• Rest – Bed rest may be recommended for a few days, but your doctor will likely tell you that you shouldn’t remain bedridden for too long, since too much bed rest might worsen your stiffness and other symptoms. However, rest is prescribed on a case-by-case basis, so your doctor might recommend long periods of rest.
• Physical Therapy – This treatment is two-fold. Physical therapy for degenerative disc disease focuses on: (1) relaxing the back and neck to reduce muscle tension, spasms, etc.; and (2) increasing the body’s strength and flexibility so that your back and neck are properly supported. Examples of physical therapy treatments include massage, hot compresses, and exercises designed to improve flexibility, stability, and range of motion.
• Exercise – It’s not easy to work out when your back and neck hurt, but in many cases degenerative disc disease exercises can boost your strength, reduce stiffness, and relieve pain. Just make sure to follow an exercise plan that has been approved by your doctor.
• Medications – Whether they’re over-the-counter, prescription, or administered via injection by your doctor, medications for degenerative disc disease have one main purpose, to reduce your pain. Medications might include painkillers, anti-inflammatory medication, muscle relaxants, and steroid injections, to name a few.
• Chiropractic and alternative treatments – Chiropractors take a hands-on approach to treating spinal problems by making manual adjustments to the back and neck. These adjustments are designed to return the spinal column to proper alignment and balance. Alternative remedies, on the other hand, include herbal remedies, acupuncture, and even wearing a special magnetic bracelet.

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After trying the above degenerative disc disease treatment options for several months, you may find that none of them relieve your symptoms. In that case, degenerative disc disease surgery might be the next step. If so, Laser Spine Institute specializes in minimally invasive, endoscopic neck and back surgeries for a variety of conditions. As a matter of fact, laser spine surgery is all we do and we’ve helped thousands of people take their lives back from chronic pain and disability.

To learn more about our degenerative disc disease surgical procedures – such as Percutaneous Endoscopic Discectomy, Foraminotomy or Laminotomy – please contact us today to learn more and to receive a free MRI or CT scan review.

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