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Treatment for degenerative disk disease

Spine cancer or spinal tumor disease.3d illustration

Degenerative disk disease (DDD) is a condition that affects the disks within your spine. These disks function as cushions between vertebrae and when they become damaged or worn down, they could cause pain and other complications. Although there isn’t a cure for DDD, there are treatments which can improve the quality of your life. In this blog, we will discuss the various treatment options available for DDD that include surgery as well as non-surgical techniques. Also, we will discuss ways you can deal with your symptoms and lead a healthy life despite this disease. If you’re suffering from DDD and want to know more, read on here for some valuable information for you!

What exactly is degenerative disk disease and what are the signs

Degenerative disk disease is a disease that manifests as the loss of the disks which cushion vertebrae of your spine. It is believed that the disks created to dampen shock and protect the vertebrae from wear and tear. But, as time passes they may degrade and decrease their effectiveness at providing cushioning to the spinal column. It can cause stiffness, pain, or other symptoms. degenerative disk disease is often caused by age or repetitive motion. However, it may also be caused by injury or infection. degenerative disk disease is usually managed with conservative measures such as cooling, rest or physical therapy. In certain cases, chiropractic treatment or surgery might be required. degenerative disk disease can be a painful and debilitating condition. However, with proper treatment, most sufferers are able to manage their symptoms and live regular lives.

How is it treated – surgery or non-surgical methods

Degenerative disk disease is one of the most common spinal degenerative diseases. It is a condition that occurs when the disks which cushion the vertebrae within the spine begin to fail, causing pain and stiffness. degenerative disk disease can be addressed with surgery or non-surgical methods.

Non-surgical options include

  1. A physical therapy is used to aid in improving flexibility and reduce pain.
  2. Chiropractic adjustments: to align the spine and relieve stress on disks.
  3. Massage Relax the muscles and ease tension.
  4. Acupuncture is used to stimulate healing and reduce pain.

Methods of surgery include:

  1. Disk to replace: to replace damaged disk with a brand new one.
  2. Fusion means to connect vertebrae in order to heal as one unit.
  3. Laminectomy: the removal of a small portion of bone from vertebrae to alleviate pressure on the spinal cord and nerves.

Degenerative disk disease can be an uncomfortable condition, however there are options to enhance the symptoms and improve health. Discuss with your doctor which treatment option is right for you.

What are the potential risks and benefits of every type of treatment?

Degenerative disk disease can be managed with medical treatments, like chiropractic care, physical therapy and surgery. Each treatment comes with its own risks and benefits. Chiropractic care is a non-surgical procedure that makes manual adjustments to correct the spinal alignment and relieve pain. The physical therapy treatment is non-invasive treatment that utilizes exercises to strengthen the muscles and improve movement range. Surgery is a last resort alternative that requires Fusion and artificial disc replacement. Each procedure comes with its own potential risks and advantages, and it is crucial to discuss with your doctor to determine the best option for you.

How can you prepare for surgery If that’s the treatment option you choose to use?

Degenerative disk disease surgery is an option when other treatments, like physical therapy, pain medication, or injecting steroids have not resulted in any improvement. Degenerative disk disease surgery involves removal of your damaged disk as well as replacing it an artificial disk or bone graft. It is also possible to undergo degenerative disk disease surgery to eliminate the herniated disk or bone spur. Degenerative disk disease surgery is a serious procedure with risks and complications, therefore you will want to be sure to talk to your physician about all possibilities before deciding if degenerative disk disease surgery is the right choice for you.

What can you expect from surgery

The objective of degenerative disk disease surgery is to reduce pain and increase functioning. There are a few different types of degenerative disk disease surgery, and the specific procedure you’ll need will be based upon your specific medical condition. In general, though, degenerative disk disease surgery involves removal of the damaged disk then replacing the damaged disk with an artificial disk or donor disk. The surgery will usually be done with 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. It is also possible use a brace, or crutches. Physical therapy will be an essential part of your rehabilitation. Most people are able to return to normal activity within a few months. If you have degenerative disk disease, talk with your doctor about the possibility of degenerative disk disease surgery is appropriate for you.

Non-surgical treatments in the treatment of degenerative disk disease – what are they and what is their effectiveness?

There are many nonsurgical solutions for degenerative disk disease, and the most effective option depends on the severity of your situation. Chiropractic care is a non-surgical treatment that is effective in mild to moderate degenerative disk disease. The procedure involves manipulation of the spinal column to move the vertebrae in a way that relieves of pressure placed on disks. Physical therapy is an alternative nonsurgical treatment that can help to strengthen the muscles around the spine as well as relieve the pain. In some cases epidural steroid injections or surgery might be required to treat degenerative disk disease.


If you are experiencing any of the signs and symptoms associated with degenerative disk disease, it is essential to get treatment. The two main options for treatment are surgery as well as non-surgical techniques. Each method has its own risks and benefits that should be considered before making a decision on what option is best for you. Surgery is a complex procedure that has inherent risks, but it may be the best option for people who have severe pain or other debilitating symptoms. Non-surgical treatment options are more costly, however, they aren’t as efficient in treating every form or types of disease. Whatever treatment you select, it is important to establish realistic expectations of what you can expect and how long it will take to heal.