Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD)

Home » Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) » Treatment, Prognosis, Prevention

Treatment

Treatment for degenerative disc disease ranges from conservative therapies to surgical interventions. The goals of treatment are to relieve pain, prevent or reduce stress on the discs, and maintain normal function.

Conservative Treatment
Most treatment plans involve a combination of self-administered treatments and therapeutic measures. Self-administered treatments include:

• learn/practice proper posture and body mechanics
• rest and restricted activities;
• limited bed rest to take pressure off the spine;
• mild activity, such as walking, biking, and swimming;
• cold and/or hot packs; and
• wearing a brace for support (may not be helpful in all cases).

Therapeutic treatments include:

• chiropractic treatment to manipulate the spine;
• acupuncture to relieve pain;
• massage to relieve muscle spasms and tension; and
• physical therapy to improve function and increase flexibility and strength.

Medications
In some cases, medications are used to supplement conservative therapy. Medications that may be used include the following:

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs; e.g., aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen)
• Pain relievers (e.g., acetaminophen)
• Muscle relaxants
• Spinal injections (anesthetics or corticosteroids)
• Antidepressants
• Sleep aids

Other non-surgical treatments include ultrasound therapy and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) pain control units. Ultrasound uses sound waves to warm the area, increase blood flow, and relieve discomfort. TENS units use electrical stimulation of the nerve to interrupt pain signals. In some cases, a spinal cord stimulator is implanted permanently to supply a low intensity impulse to a certain location in the spinal cord.

Surgery
Symptoms of degenerative disc disease usually can be managed without surgical intervention; however, patients who experience debilitating pain and disability that does not respond to other treatments may benefit from surgery. Primary reasons for surgery are to:

• relieve pressure on a nerve root or the spinal cord;
• stabilize an unstable or painful vertebral segment;
• prevent or limit radiculopathy (nerve damage); and
• reduce deformity or curvature of the spine (e.g., scoliosis).

Discectomy and fusion involves removing the damaged intervertebral disc and replacing it with a piece of bone or another material. Over time, this replacement fuses with the adjacent vertebrae. A newer procedure, called microdiscectomy, accomplishes the same solution, but involves using smaller instruments and requires a smaller incision.

In corpectomy, a section of the vertebrae and discs is removed to create more space for the remainder of the spine. A bone graft and/or metal plate with screws is then attached to stabilize the spine.

Facetectomy, laminotomy, and spinal laminectomy are other procedures that involve removing a portion of the bony structure of the spine to relieve pressure on the nerve roots. Foraminotomy and laminoplasty can also be used to enlarge areas of the spinal column to make more room for the nerves and spinal cord.

Prognosis

Generally, the prognosis (expected outcome) for people who have degenerative disc disease is good. Over time, and with certain lifestyle changes, most people can manage pain, reduce flare-ups, and even eliminate symptoms. By the age of 65, inflammatory proteins in the discs no longer cause pain; however, the discs are stiffer and flexibility often is reduced.

Prevention

Because degenerative disc disease is primarily associated with the aging process, it cannot be prevented in all cases. Moderate exercise, lifestyle modifications, and good nutrition can help prevent painful and disabling symptoms.

Exercise increases blood flow to the muscles, which supplies healing nutrients and oxygen; preserves function of the spine and surrounding muscles; and promotes the release of endorphins (substances produced in the brain that reduce pain). People who have degenerative disc disease should be sure to get moderate exercise, including low impact and strength training activities, for at least 30 minutes daily.

Lifestyle modifications include improving posture; changing positions frequently, especially if work involves a lot of sitting; learning and using correct lifting techniques; and sleeping on a supportive mattress. Avoiding smoking, maintaining a healthy weight through good nutrition and exercise, staying well hydrated, and reducing alcohol consumption all can contribute to a healthier back and faster healing.

Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD), Treatment, Prognosis, Prevention reprinted with permission from painchannel.com
© 1998-2008 Healthcommunities.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) Resources

	Join Our Degenerative Disc Disease Forum Do you have a question, want to share medical advice, or just need to discuss your situation with someone else having a similar experience? The healthchannels forum is a resource for everyone to share and discuss their health and medical needs with others.	Advertising Disclaimer
	Living with...Share your story Do you have a personal health story that you would like to share with others? As a source of free patient education, our goal is to provide our users with trustworthy information and support from others. That's why we've started our "Living with..." sections.
	Our "Living With..." support pages are a place to share experiences about living with a certain condition, disease, disorder, or illness and for loved ones of those dealing with health-related issues. Many people, especially when newly diagnosed, find comfort in knowing that others are having a similar experience. Help others by sharing your story. View stories already submitted.
	Stay Updated Sign up for our newsletter and receive important updates on the medical conditions that are most important to you.
To quickly access health information from your website's browser, download Healthcommunities.com's healthchannels toolbar. Advertising Disclaimer