A conservative degenerative disc disease treatment approach is the first step, and it controls pain for most people. In addition to rest and heat or ice, your back doctor may suggest:
Medication
Besides over-the-counter pain relievers, nerve medications may help relieve nerve symptoms, and short-term steroids can help reduce inflammation. Medication is typically combined with physical therapy as your first step.
A trained physical therapist guides you in exercises and stretches designed to strengthen your back, improve your balance and flexibility, and improve range of motion -- all benefits that can alleviate your pain.
A skilled chiropractor uses spinal manipulation and other manual methods to help relieve back pain and other symptoms such as numbness and tingling, loss of strength, or pain in the arms or legs. These hands-on techniques stretch and move the spine to restore mobility to joints restricted by injury or repetitive stress, such as sitting without proper back support. Our chiropractors can also teach you exercises for improving strength and flexibility and incorporating safe movements and proper posture into your daily activities.
Epidural steroid injections treat inflammation and pain right at the source -- your pinched nerve roots or arthritic joints. Using X-ray imaging as a guide, your doctor numbs your skin and places a needle into the pain source in your spine. You’ll feel pressure during this procedure. The medicine usually begins working within a few days to a week. You’ll be able to return to normal activities the following day. We give these injections in a special, sterile suite.
Bracing
In some cases, a rigid or semi-rigid back brace may be used to help stabilize your spine.
Other Treatments
Some people find relief from acupuncture or aquatic therapy. Nutritionists and weight loss specialists can help manage disc problems caused by obesity. We offer these treatments as a complement to your regular treatment plan, not as a substitute.
