Do you have excruciating neck or lower back pain? Degenerative disc disease, a progressive condition that results in spinal wear and tear, could be the cause of this. Degenerative disc disease mostly happens as you age, but there are some things that can make it more likely. Fortunately, it can be prevented and treated to some degree. Read this article to find out how to keep your spine from aging. Visit the best Pain Management Clinic in Brooklyn at Doral Health & Wellness or log on to www.doralhw.org.
Treatment
The main goal of degenerative disc disease treatment is to relieve pain, improve functionality, and prevent further damage. Doctors use different approaches from conservative self-care to surgery based on the severity of the condition. Treatment options may include:
- Self-care:
Certain lifestyle changes can help to relieve pain and improve functionality, including:
- Exercise: Regular exercise, like stretching and strengthening exercises, can help to maintain spinal flexibility and strength. Yoga, Pilates, and swimming are particularly beneficial.
- Posture: Maintaining good posture while sitting, standing, and lifting heavy objects helps to lower the stress on the spine. Ergonomic adjustments at work and home can make a significant difference.
- Weight management: Keeping a healthy weight can lower the load on the spine because when you’re heavy on the abdomen, it increases the pressure on the lower back and cervical spine as you bend forward.
- Quit smoking: Smoking can block the blood flow to the discs, which accelerates degeneration. Quitting smoking also improves overall health and lowers the risk of other conditions that may exacerbate degenerative disc disease.
- Over-the-counter medicines:
These medicines can be taken (with or without a prescription) to relieve pain:
- Pain relievers: Medications like acetaminophen help to manage mild to moderate pain. Usually used as a first line of treatment against pain.
- Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): Ibuprofen and naproxen are common NSAIDs that are used to lower inflammation and relieve pain, especially if pain occurs from inflammation around the disc.
- Therapies:
Different types of therapies are used to treat pain and improve functionality, along with medications:
- Physical therapy: A physical therapist can help to design a personalized exercise program to strengthen the muscles supporting the spine to improve flexibility and alleviate pain. It may include techniques like heat, ice, and electrical stimulation to lower pain.
- Chiropractic care: Chiropractic adjustments can improve spinal alignment and lower discomfort. It uses a manual manipulation technique to restore mobility and relieve pain.
- Massage therapy: Therapeutic massage can relieve muscle tension and improve blood flow to affected areas, provide pain relief, and improve mobility.
- Acupuncture: Some patients get relief from pain and inflammation through acupuncture, which is an ancient Chinese practice using thin needles at specific body points to stimulate healing.
3. Surgical procedures:
Surgical procedures for degenerative disc disease are considered when conservative treatments fail to provide sufficient relief and improve the patient’s quality of life. These may include:
- Discectomy: In this procedure, the surgeon removes the damaged portion of the disc that is pressing on the nerve and causing pain. It improves functionality and relieves pain.
- Spinal fusion: In this procedure, the surgeon fuses two or more vertebrae to stabilize the spine and reduce pain. It also prevents further degeneration but may reduce mobility.
- Artificial Disc replacement: In this procedure, a damaged disc is replaced with an artificial one to maintain mobility in the spine. It is a newer procedure that offers good results for certain patients.
Prevention
While it is a chronic condition and slowly progressing disease, some factors can lower the risk of developing this disease, including:
- Quit smoking if you do or don’t start because it increases the rate of desiccation.
- Stay active to increase strength and flexibility of the muscles around your spine to support it.
- Lift weights or objects with proper form to avoid stressing your spine and herniating your discs.
- Maintain a healthy body weight.
- Lower your alcohol intake.
- Add foods and supplements that have calcium, iron, and zinc to maintain a healthy bone structure.
Degenerative Disc disease is a chronic condition that causes spine wear and tear that leads to varying intensities of pain. However, making the necessary lifestyle changes mentioned above helps to prevent this disease or slow its progression. If you are at risk of developing this condition, timely medical intervention can improve functionality and prevent further damage.
Need help with degenerative disc disease? Visit our pain management clinic in Brooklyn to get professional medical help. Call us to book your appointment now!!! If you’re ready to take the next step in managing your pain, we recommend consulting with our healthcare provider to explore the right treatments or therapies for you. Always listen to your body and adjust your daily routine to prioritize your well-being. Visit Doral Health & Wellness Pain Relief Department in Brooklyn, to get professional help and guidance on how to manage your problem. Call us on + 1-718-367-2555 to get a consultation. If you need help learning coping methods, register your information and make direct contact with our doctors at https://yuz88hfiyh7.typeform.com/Doralintake. Log on to www.doralhw.org. Or visit us at 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11212.
