Treatment for Degenerative Disc Conditions
It is common for most adults to experience degenerative disc conditions. Over time during the aging process wear and tear of the spine is common among most adults. But with wear and tear, the discs within the spine which can be described as a the rubbery shock absorbers in between the vertebrae whichprovide flexibility like bending and twisting, become damaged or dried overtime. This creates back pain for many and can limit movement of the spine.
Conditions like Spinal Stenosis, Herniated Discs and Spinal Arthritis are all caused due to the degeneration of the spinal discs.
These conditions are usually diagnosed by reviewing all family medical history, a physical exam , xrays and advance imaging tests like Magnetic Resonance Imaging or MRI.
Treatment:
Treatment for degenerative disc conditions can typically be treated with conservative care with one of the three options listed below.
Conservative Care:
- Therapy – Physical therapy techniques & chiropractic adjustment can be used as the first line of treatment to relieve tension, pain and increase movement of the spine.
- Medications – Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti inflammatory like Ibuprofen and pain relievers like Aleve and Tylenol are appropriate for short-term use.
- Injections – Lumbar epidural steroid injections (LESI) or facet injections are placed directly into the affected area of the spine and have anti-inflammatory properties that can relieve pain
When conservative care is unsuccessful to provide initial relief or contentious relieve then intervention care can be an option for care.
Interventional Care:
4. Surgery – Surgery can only be common for certain degenerative disc conditions which can be predictably resolved with surgery. For example, moderate to severe spinal stenosis or herniated discs that cause arm or leg pain (radicular pain) could qualify you as a candidate for surgery.
Surgery is not ideal for every patient and is a decision that is discussed with your surgeon to ensure the optimal results are achieved.
Mountainstate Orthopedic Associates
If you are experiencing any of the signs and symptoms of Degenerative Disc Condition, please contact MOA so we can schedule you an appointment! 304-599-0720
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