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degenerative disk disease

Treatment for degenerative disk disease

Degenerative disk disease (DDD) is an issue that affects the disks within your spine. These disks are cushions between vertebrae and when they get damaged or worn down, they can create pain and other problems. While there is no cure for DDD but there are treatment options offered that can enhance your life quality. In this blog we will explore the many options for treatment for DDD that include surgery and non-surgical methods. We will also look at ways you can deal with your symptoms and lead an active, healthy lifestyle despite this health issue. If you suffer from DDD, keep reading and we’ve got some great advice for you!

What is degenerative disk disease and what are the symptoms

Degenerative disk disease is a condition that is caused by the wear and tear of the disks that cushion the vertebrae in your spine. It is believed that the disks can be designed to bear shock and safeguard the vertebrae from wear and tear. But, as time passes they begin to degrade and decrease their effectiveness at cushioning the spine. This could result in pain, stiffness, and other symptoms. degenerative disk disease is often caused by aging and repetitive movement. However, it can also be caused by injury or infections. degenerative disk disease is usually treated using conservative methods like treatment with rest, ice or heat, as well as physical therapy. In certain cases, chiropractic treatment or surgery may be necessary. degenerative disk disease can be one of the most painful and difficult conditions to live with. But, with the right treatment, most sufferers can manage their symptoms and lead a normal life.

What is the treatment – surgery or non-surgical methods

Degenerative disk disease is one of the most frequent degenerative conditions that affect the spine. It develops when disks which cushion the vertebrae within the spine begin to break down, which causes pain and stiffness. degenerative disk disease can be treated with surgery or non-surgical techniques.

Non-surgical methods include:

  1. Physical therapy: to help improve range of motion and relieve pain.
  2. Chiropractic adjustments: to align the spine and relieve strain on disks.
  3. Massage Massage: to relax the muscles and relieve tension.
  4. Acupuncture is used to increase healing and lessen the feeling of pain.

The most common surgical techniques are:

  1. Disk repair for replacing damaged disk by a new one.
  2. Fusion is the process used to join two or more vertebrae in order to heal as one whole.
  3. Laminectomy: to take a small amount of bone from the vertebrae in order to alleviate pressure on the spinal cord or nerves.

Degenerative disk disease can be painful, but there are treatments that can improve the severity and your quality of life. Consult with your doctor about the right treatment for you.

What are the risks and benefits of each kind of treatment?

Degenerative disk disease can be managed with medical treatments, including chiropractic care, physical therapy as well as surgery. Each method comes with its own risks and advantages. Chiropractic care is a non-surgical treatment that utilizes manual adjustments to correct the spine’s alignment and ease pain. Therapy is a conservative treatment that involves exercises to strengthen the muscles and improve movement range. Surgery is the last option that involves Fusion (or artificial replacement of the disc). Each treatment has its own potential risks and advantages, and it is important to speak with your physician to decide the best option for you.

What can you do to prepare yourself for surgery should that be the method of treatment you have chosen?

Degenerative disk disease surgery is an option when other treatments such as physical therapy pain medication, or injecting steroids, haven’t resulted in any improvement. Degenerative disk disease surgery involves removal of the damaged disk then replacing the damaged disk with an artificial disk or bone graft. There is also the possibility of having degenerative disk disease surgery to eliminate a herniated disk or bone spur. Degenerative disk disease surgery is serious and comes with risks and complications, therefore you need to be sure to talk to your doctor about all of possibilities before deciding if degenerative disk disease surgery is the right choice for you.

What can you expect following surgery

The aim of degenerative disk disease surgery is to alleviate pain and improve functionality. There are several kinds of degenerative disk disease surgery, and the specific procedure you’ll need will be based upon your specific medical condition. In general, , degenerative disk disease surgery involves removal of the damaged disk in exchange for a new disk or donor disk. The surgery is usually performed through small cuts in your back. After the surgery will be completed, you’ll need to be in the hospital for few days. There’s a good chance that you’ll need pain medication for the initial couple of weeks. You may also need be wearing braces or use crutches. Physical therapy will also be an essential aspect of your recovery. Many people can return to their normal activities within a couple of months. If you suffer from degenerative disk disease, talk with your physician about whether degenerative disk disease surgery is right for you.

Non-surgical treatments for degenerative disk disease – what are they and how effective are they?

There are a variety of nonsurgical options of degenerative disk disease, and the most effective treatment depends in the degree of your problem. Chiropractic care is a non-surgical treatment that may be beneficial in mild to moderate degenerative disk disease. It involves manipulating the spine to align the vertebrae and relieve pressure on the disks. Physical therapy is another non-surgical procedure that can strengthen the muscles surrounding the spine as well as relieve pain. In some instances epidural steroid injections or surgery may be necessary to address degenerative disk disease.


If you are experiencing any of the signs associated with degenerative disk disease, it is essential to get treatment. The two most common options for treatment are surgery and non-surgical methods. Each option has its own potential risks and advantages that need to be considered before making a decision about which procedure is suitable for you. Surgery is a significant procedure that is prone to risks, but it may be the best choice for those who have severe pain or other symptoms that are debilitating. Non-surgical therapies are less risky, but they aren’t as effective in treating all kinds of this disease. No matter which type of treatment you select it is essential to set realistic expectations regarding what to expect and how long it will take to heal.