What is degenerative disc disease?
Your spine is composed of 33 individual bones known as vertebrae. Discs separate and cushion these bones, preventing direct, bone-to-bone contact.
The discs are made of a soft, gelatin-like center surrounded and enclosed by connective tissues. Spinal discs allow your spine to be flexible and act as shock absorbers during everyday activities.
Disc degeneration occurs when your discs become damaged or move out of their proper position. It’s important to note the term “degenerative disc disease” is a misnomer, as the condition doesn’t meet the standard definition of “disease.”
What are the symptoms of disc degeneration?
Many people seek medical care for disc degeneration after experiencing months or even years of back pain. There’s no reason to wait so long to see a doctor as there are many different ways to treat disc degeneration and restore proper spinal function.
Some common symptoms of disc degeneration include:
- Back pain that flares up during or immediately after activity, but then subsides
- Back pain that’s directly tied to sitting, standing, or sleeping
- Ability to find temporary relief by changing positions
- Severe episodes of back pain, followed by gradual abatement
In general, disc degeneration is marked by gradually worsening discomfort or pain that can be relieved through changes in your position or activities.
What treatment options exist for disc degeneration?
You can treat disc degeneration with numerous methods depending on the severity of the condition and your overall health.
Physical Therapy
One way to find relief from disc degeneration is through targeted exercises that can strengthen your back and provide additional support to your spine.
Drug therapy
Many different medications can improve the symptoms of disc degeneration. Anti-inflammatory drugs can help relieve pressure on surrounding nerves and other tissues. Pain relievers can make it easier to manage the condition, and muscle relaxers can reduce strain on your spine. Some people even find relief from certain antidepressants.
No two people share the same experience when it comes to back pain, which is why it’s so important to obtain an individualized treatment plan. The doctors at Apex Medical Center can provide the diagnostic skill needed to determine the source of your back pain and structure a treatment plan to meet your needs.
