Degenerative disc disease (DDD) therapy normally begins with conservative or non-surgical techniques, but in more severe instances, surgical treatments may be required. The stage and severity of the ailment, as well as the individual's symptoms and overall health, all influence therapy decisions.
Below are the multiple therapy options for DDD.
Conservative Management
Physical therapists can create exercise plans to strengthen the muscles that support the spine, increase flexibility, and relieve pain. These exercises can also help improve posture and body mechanics.
Pain Medications
Over-the-counter pain medicines (NSAIDs) can give brief relief. In certain circumstances, harsher drugs prescribed by a doctor in a pain treatment clinic may be required, although their long-term usage should be closely managed.
Heat and Cold Therapy
Using heat or cold on the afflicted region can help relieve pain and inflammation.
Lifestyle Modifications
Lifestyle modifications like maintaining a healthy weight, stopping smoking, and practicing appropriate body mechanics can help reduce the advancement of DDD and relieve symptoms.
Epidural Steroid Injections
Corticosteroid injections into the epidural area around the spinal cord can decrease inflammation and relieve pain temporarily.
Chiropractic Care
Some people benefit from chiropractic adjustments, which try to correct spinal alignment and relieve pressure on afflicted discs.
Rehabilitation
Physical Rehabilitation
Customized physical therapy programs can help with posture, flexibility, and core muscular strength to support the spine.
Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapists may teach people adaptive skills for everyday tasks and ergonomics.
Surgical Interventions
Artificial Disc Replacement
ADR entails replacing the injured disc with an artificial one while preserving spinal mobility. ADR has the advantage of preserving flexibility while minimizing stress on surrounding discs.
Spinal Fusion
For severe DDD with crippling pain and disc height decrease, spinal fusion may be advised. This operation joins two or more vertebrae together, preventing mobility at the afflicted level. It can give long-term stability but may reduce spinal flexibility.
Laminectomy or Discectomy
In some situations of disc herniation with spinal cord compression, a laminectomy (removal of the lamina) or a discectomy (removal of the herniated disc) may be required to relieve symptoms.
When Should I Consider Surgery?
The choice to have surgery is personalized and is determined by criteria such as the stage of DDD and the intensity of symptoms. The choice to have surgery for DDD is crucial, and it should be decided in conjunction with a spine expert. It is often used in circumstances where conservative therapies have failed or for those who have significant symptoms and functional difficulties. Here are some broad principles to help you decide when to pursue surgery.
Failure of Conservative Therapies
If conservative therapies have not provided considerable relief or have only provided temporary relief, and the pain or symptoms remain, surgery may be considered as the next step.
Persistent Severe Pain
If you are suffering from chronic and severe pain that is considerably affecting your quality of life, daily activities, and general well-being, surgery may be a possible choice. Pain that does not respond to standard treatments, such as physical therapy or medication, might be a sign.
Nerve Compression
If DDD causes nerve compression, resulting in symptoms such as chronic numbness, weakness, or loss of function in the limbs, surgery may be required to alleviate pressure on the nerves.
Progressive Neurological Deficits
If you are having progressive neurological deficits such as trouble walking, loss of bowel or bladder control, or growing weakness, surgery is usually recommended as a first option to avoid additional nerve damage.
Severe Disc Height Loss
If DDD has resulted in a severe loss of disc height and spinal instability, surgery may be necessary to stabilize the afflicted section.Radiological imaging examinations, such as MRIs or CT scans, may reveal significant disc degeneration, herniation, or instability, indicating the need for surgery.
Individual Assessment
Each instance of DDD is unique and should take into account age, health, and lifestyle objectives. Your healthcare professional will assess your individual circumstances to decide the most appropriate time for surgery.
