What is the best treatment for degenerative disc disease?
Bed rest, or reduced activity, for the first 1 to 2 days after onset of severe pain, combined with anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen, and ice and/or heat therapy. Prescription muscle relaxant medications, as needed, for up to 1 week. Gentle stretching and aerobic exercise, for at least 3 times a week.
Can a degenerative disc ever heal?
No, degenerative disc disease cannot heal on its own. Many treatments for degenerative disc disease focus on reducing symptoms. Some people experience more severe or longer-lasting symptoms than others.
Who deals with degenerative disc disease?
If you are experiencing symptoms of degenerative disc disease, visit Specialty Orthopaedics.
Can chiropractor help degenerative disc disease?
Chiropractic care is a preferred treatment option for degenerative disc disease for a variety of reasons. Because it is gentle and non-invasive, chiropractic is much less likely to create undesirable side effects—which are common with prescription medications and surgery.
What happens if degenerative disc disease is left untreated?
Without appropriate treatment, degenerative disc disease can cause lasting, debilitating back pain. The pain may become so severe that you find it difficult to carry out your normal daily activities. It can interfere with your mobility and your overall quality of life.
What are the stages of DDD?
The 3 Stages of Spinal DegenerationStage 1 – Dysfunction. As the spine begins to deteriorate, its curvature begins to change and show signs of misalignment. ... Stage 2 – Dehydration of spinal discs and beginning of spurring. ... Stage 3 – Stabilization. ... Chiropractic treatment for spinal degeneration.
Can you become paralyzed from degenerative disc disease?
This can irritate the spinal cord or nearby nerves, causing weakness and numbness in the arms or legs. A severely herniated disc can cause paralysis. Disc herniation is most common in the lower back (lumbar spine) and neck (cervical spine).
How should you sleep when you have degenerative disc disease?
Degenerative disc disease Sleeping on the stomach is typically preferred, as this position can relieve pressure on the disc space. People with degenerative disc disease may feel most comfortable using a relatively firm mattress while placing a flat pillow under the stomach and hips.
Is degenerative disc disease considered a disability?
Degenerative disc disease by itself is not recognized as a listed disability by the Social Security Administration (SSA).
Will xray show degenerative disc disease?
A series of x-rays is also usually ordered for a patient with back pain. If degenerative disc disease is present, the x-rays will often show a narrowing of the spaces between the vertebral bodies, which indicates the disc has become very thin or has collapsed.
How many stages are there to degenerative disc disease?
The Four Stages of Degenerative Disc Disease They can result in pain, degenerative scoliosis, and loss of mobility. These four stages are the Dysfunction Stage, the Dehydration Stage, the Stabilization Stage, and the Collapsing Stage.
What foods should you avoid with degenerative disc disease?
Agents of InflammationSugars (and processed sugars). ... Vegetable oil (and other processed oils). ... Potato chips. ... Fried foods. ... Refined flours. ... Artificial sweeteners. ... Saturated fats. ... Processed meats (i.e. bacon, bologna, hot dogs) and animal proteins.