You may not be able to prevent degenerative disc disease, but you can control its progression. Degenerative disc disease causes disabling symptoms as it progresses, and it may contribute to conditions like osteoarthritis if left untreated. The Center for the Functional Restoration of the Spine team offers degenerative disc Shrewsbury approaches to relieve pain while maintaining your spinal flexibility.
What is a Degenerative Disc Disease?
Degenerative disc disease is an age-related medical condition due to the wear and tear of the discs in your spine, causing pain. Spinal disks are a form of shock absorbers that facilitate the bending and twisting of your back. As you age, they begin breaking down, impairing your ability to function well.
Your disks will likely break down during old age, and you may or may not experience painful symptoms. However, if you begin feeling pain or discomfort, you may have degenerative disc disease. The disease may lead to bone spurs, herniated discs, radiculopathy, and spinal stenosis as the disease progresses.
These complications are due to the gradual deterioration of the intervertebral discs. Discs contain much fluid, but the liquid gradually dries out as you age. Your body does not regenerate new cells in your discs, and wear and tear effects may affect your health.
What Symptoms Signify Degenerative Disc Disease?
Some people may not know they have degenerative disc disorder until they experience complications leading to nerve compression or irritation. Sharp constant pain in your neck and back is the signature symptom of degenerative disc disease. The pain may begin from your back to your thighs and worsen when you sit or bend. If the disorder is not treated, it may deteriorate, causing flexibility loss in your back and chronic backache.
How Can you Prevent The Development of Degenerative Disc Disease?
There is no key to preventing degenerative disc disease. Still, the Center for the Functional Restoration of the Spie specialists can offer some tips to slow down the progression of the disease. The team may recommend herbal remedies and supplements to nourish and strengthen your musculoskeletal system, preserving your spinal discs’ integrity. Your provider may also incorporate exercise, proper employment of body mechanics, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding smoking.
What Are The Available Treatment Options for Degenerative Disc Disease?
During your visit to the Center for the Functional Restoration of the Spine specialists, conduct a thorough physical evaluation to determine the severity of your disorder. Afterward, they may include noninvasive treatments like physical therapies, medication, and activity modification to prevent the progression of the disease. If these are conservative treatments, your provider may recommend spinal cord stimulation, epidural steroid injections, percutaneous disc nucleoplasty, and intradiscal electrothermal therapy (IDET).
If your symptoms persist despite these conservative treatments, your doctor may recommend surgical interventions, including spinal fusion, endoscopic decompression, decompressor discectomy, artificial disc replacement, and anterior cervical discectomy and fusion. The choice of surgical treatment depends on your age and general health.
Do not tolerate degenerative disc disease symptoms when there are simple noninvasive and minimally invasive approaches. Call your doctor at the Center for the Functional Restoration of the Spine office or schedule an appointment online to begin your treatment.
