Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is a common spine condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It occurs when the discs between the vertebrae in the spine start to break down due to age, injury, or wear and tear over time. As a result, individuals with DDD often experience chronic pain, stiffness, and limited mobility in their spine.
While the symptoms of DDD can be debilitating, there are many options available to help individuals live well with this condition. Here, we will discuss some of the common treatments and lifestyle changes that can make a significant difference in managing degenerative disc disease.
Understanding Degenerative Disc Disease
Before focusing on the treatment options available, it’s essential to understand what degenerative disc disease is and how it impacts the spine. The spinal column consists of 33 individual bones called vertebrae, separated by intervertebral discs that cushion the vertebrae. These discs act as shock absorbers and allow for smooth movement between the vertebrae.
As we age, these discs start to lose their water content and become thinner, making them less flexible and inept to withstand the shock associated with daily activities, sports, and certain movements. This natural degeneration process of the discs is known as degenerative disc disease. While it can occur in any part of the spine, it most commonly affects the lower back (lumbar spine) and neck (cervical spine).
Symptoms of Degenerative Disc Disease
The symptoms of DDD may vary from person to person, depending on the location and severity of the disc degeneration. But, some of the most common symptoms include:
- Pain: The pain may be constant or intermittent,ranging from mild to severe. It may get worse when sitting or radiate to other areas of the body, such as the arms, legs, or buttocks. Pain may also worsen when bending, lifting, or twisting the body.
- Stiffness: Individuals with DDD often experience stiffness, muscle tension, and reduced flexibility in their spine, making it challenging to perform certain activities.
- Numbness or tingling: As the discs compress on nerves in the spine, it can cause numbness or tingling sensations in the arms, legs, hands, or feet.
- Weakness: Some people with DDD may also experience muscle weakness due to nerve compression, making it difficult to perform particular movements.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s essential to consult a board-certified spine specialist for an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment plan.
To diagnose DDD, your spine specialist will review your medical history, conduct a comprehensive physical examination, and discuss your symptoms and the circumstances in which your pain started. Further diagnostic testing, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), may be recommended to assess which discs are affected or to rule out other health conditions.
Treatment Options for Degenerative Disc Disease
While there is no cure for degenerative disc disease, several treatments can help manage the symptoms and improve quality of life. These include:
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is an effective non-invasive treatment option for DDD. It focuses on strengthening the muscles around the spine, improving flexibility and range of motion, and reducing pain and stiffness. A physical therapist will design a personalized exercise program to meet your specific needs and goals.
Medications
Over-the-counter or prescription medications can help alleviate pain and inflammation associated with DDD. These may include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), muscle relaxants, or pain relievers.
Injections
Steroid injections directly into the affected area can provide temporary relief from DDD symptoms. These injections work by suppressing the immune system’s response to reduce pain and inflammation, helping to increase function.
Surgery
In severe cases where other treatments have not been effective, surgery may be recommended. There are various surgical procedures available, such as spinal fusion or artificial disc replacement, which aim to stabilize the spine and reduce pain.
Lifestyle Changes for Managing Degenerative Disc Disease
Apart from medical treatments, some lifestyle changes can also help individuals with DDD live well and manage their symptoms effectively. These include:
- Exercise Regularly: Low-impact exercises like walking, swimming, or cycling can help improve flexibility and strengthen the muscles around the spine. However, always consult with your doctor before starting any exercise program.
- Maintain a Healthy Weight: Excess weight puts extra strain on the spine and can worsen DDD symptoms. Maintaining a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise can reduce pressure on the discs and alleviate pain.
- Practice Good Posture: Poor posture can put unnecessary stress on the spine, leading to more significant problems for individuals with DDD. Therefore, it’s essential to maintain good posture while sitting, standing, or lifting heavy objects.
- Reduce Stress and Practice Relaxation Techniques: Stress and tension can cause muscle tension and exacerbate DDD symptoms. Practicing relaxation techniques like meditation, deep breathing, or yoga can help reduce stress and tension.
Degenerative disc disease is a common spine condition that can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life. However, with the right treatment plan and lifestyle changes, it is possible to manage DDD symptoms effectively and live well. If you are experiencing symptoms of DDD, don’t hesitate to consult with a board-certified spine specialist to determine the best course of action for your specific condition.
Degenerative Disc Disease Treatment in Rochester Hills, Bad Axe, and Royal Oak, Michigan
If you have degenerative disc disease or persistent back or neck problems,visit Ahlgren Spine for expert care. We provide effective diagnosis and treatment for a wide range of orthopedic spinal conditions and injuries, including degenerative disc disease.
Dr. Ahlgren and his dedicated team of medical professionals utilize the most advanced surgical and noninvasive techniques to relievepain and improve mobility, helping you get back to your normal, active lifestyle as quickly as possible.
To learn more or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Ahlgren, call us today at (248) 215-8080 or use our online request form to arrange your visit. Don’t let back pain hold you back – take action today and start living a pain-free life!
