Comprising the spinal column are bones called vertebrae, which are separated by soft spongy discs that aid in movement and absorb shock. Discs have two parts--a tough and fibrous outer layer called the annulus, and a soft jellylike center portion called the nucleus. Degenerative disc disease is the breakdown process of these discs that can lead to decreased range emotion, back pain, and muscle spasm. According to Cedars-Sinai, nearly everyone shows some sign of disc degeneration as they age, but not everyone has symptoms. Treatments cannot generally reverse the degeneration, but are aimed at preventing further breakdown and reducing symptoms.
Ice/Heat
Degenerative changes in the disc can cause the tough outer layer to crack and allow the jelly center to push out of its normal confines causing, what is referred to as, a disc herniation. This can lead to inflammation, pain and neurological symptoms. Ice is a good first treatment choice to help reduce symptoms of pain and inflammation. Ice reduces inflammation, which is a normal part of the body's response, by reducing blood flow. An ice pack, wrapped in a towel, should be applied to the area of pain for 20 minutes every two hours. In the first 72 hours, when inflammation is a concern, ice should be used instead of heat.
Medication
Over-the-counter NSAIDs medication, such as ibuprofen, aspirin, naproxen have both anti-inflammatory and pain relieving properties that can be very effective in reducing symptoms of degenerative disc disease, according to Spine Universe. If the pain is severe, prescription strength NSAIDs or opiate narcotics may be used temporarily. Corticosteroids may be injected directly into the site of a degenerating disc to reduce severe inflammation and pain.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapists will often use passive modalities, such as electrical muscle stimulation and ultrasound in the early treatment of a degenerating disc to reduce accompanying muscle spasm, pain and inflammation. One of the primary causes of degenerating discs is improper function in the spine. Muscles that are injured through trauma or chronic poor posture can become tight, inflexible and weak, leading to poor spinal function. Physical therapy can improve your flexibility, strength, core stability, and range of motion, according to Spine Universe.
Chiropractic
Chiropractors are trained to diagnose and treat spinal conditions, such as degenerative disc disease. The goal of chiropractic is to gently improve joint mechanics by optimizing spinal motion and allowing inflamed soft tissues to normalize, according to Spine Universe. Chiropractors primarily use spinal manipulation or adjustments to restore proper motion to the spine, but also use therapeutic exercise and stretching to treat soft tissue dysfunction.
Surgery
In severe cases, when conservative care has failed, surgery may be necessary, according to the Mayo Clinic. Surgery can remove portions of a degenerated disc and to create more room for delicate spinal nerve that are being compressed.
