Degenerative Disc Disease

Are Non-surgical Options Available for Treatment of Degenerative Disc Disease?

Yes. Initial treatment for disc degeneration should be conservative in nature, unless there is worry that permanent neurological damage might occur. For most of our patients, conservative treatment of degenerative disc disease has proven successful. First choices of non-surgical, conservative treatment for disc degeneration include anti-inflammatory medications and activity modifications followed by core strengthening exercises. But if underlying conditions such as osteoarthritis, disc herniations, or spinal stenosis are present, you may require additional treatment.

Frequently, physical therapy will be the next step in your conservative disc degeneration treatment. To help ensure successful results from physical therapy, you may choose to receive epidural steroid injections as an additional treatment for disc degeneration. We can provide you with pain relief by delivering medication directly to the painful area, which will help you perform the tasks recommended during physical therapy.

Additionally, you can use complementary and alternative medicine, along with conventional care, as part of your lumbar or cervical disc degeneration treatment. Acupuncture or chiropractic alignment has not been proven effective as a treatment for disc degeneration by large studies, but these alternative treatments may help some people. Talk to your doctor about the potential benefits and risks before using a chiropractic treatment.

When deciding on a plan for treatment of degenerative disc disease it is important to take into consideration the condition of your spine and what impact your symptoms are having on your daily activities. Some people with similar symptoms will feel them stronger than others, but with our guidance, you will receive the proper treatment you need.

Are you a Candidate for Surgery?

If non surgical degenerative disc disease treatment fails to reduce your pain and other symptoms, you may be a surgical candidate. Our simple 3 step candidacy checking tool can get you started on a path to recovery in just minutes.

Begin 3 Step Diagnosis Process