Numerous supplements may help treat degenerative disc disease. According to the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, degenerative disc disease is a condition in which pain is caused by a damaged intervertebral, or spinal, disc. Possible signs and symptoms associated with degenerative disc disease include pain with certain activities, numbness and tingling in the extremities, and weakness in the lower extremity. Certain supplements or herbal remedies may help reduce degenerative disc disease-related symptoms. You should always consult your primary care provider for possible side effects and proper dosage before taking supplements.
Devil's Claw
Devil's claw, also known as Harpagophytum procumbens, may be beneficial for a person with degenerative disc disease. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC, devil's claw is a shrub that is native to southern Africa. The Khoisan peoples of Madagascar and the Kalahari desert have long used devil's claw in remedies for painful conditions, fever, gastrointestinal complaints, pregnancy complications and skin problems. UMMC states that scientific evidence supports the use of devil's claw for pain relief and reduction of inflammation in people with arthritis and other painful conditions. According to the Spine Universe website, because of its anti-inflammatory properties and its ability to decrease pain, devil's claw---which can be taken in capsule form---may be an effective treatment for degenerative disc disease. A person interested in using devil's claw to treat degenerative joint disease should speak with a qualified health professional prior to using this herbal remedy.
S-Adenosylmethionine
S-adenosylmethionine, or SAMe, may be an effective supplement for treating degenerative disc disease. UMMC states that SAMe is a naturally occurring compound that is found in numerous tissues and fluids in the body. SAMe is involved in many important bodily processes, including immune system regulation, cell membrane maintenance, and the production and breakdown of certain brain chemicals, such as serotonin, melatonin and dopamine. According to the Spine Universe website, SAMe is purported to be useful for wear-and-tear spinal conditions, including osteoarthritis and degenerative disc disease. SAMe may also be helpful in treating depression, which is a common co-existing condition among people suffering from the chronic pain sometimes associated with degenerative disc disease. Before taking SAMe for your degenerative disc disease-related discomfort, consult a physician for possible side effects and proper dosage.
White Willow Bark
White willow bark may help treat degenerative disc disease. According to UMMC, willow bark has been used for centuries in China and Europe for the treatment of low back pain and osteoarthritis, headache, menstrual cramps, fever, flu, and inflammatory conditions such as bursitis and tendinitis. UMMC states that white willow bark contains salicin---a chemical that is similar to aspirin, or acetylsalicylic acid. Willow bark is believed to be an analgesic, or pain reliever, and an anti-inflammatory. The Spine Universe website states that white willow bark may provide relief for degenerative disc disease-related back pain. If a person with degenerative disc disease is unable to take aspirin, which can irritate the stomach, white willow bark can be used instead. If you are interested in trying white willow bark to help treat your degenerative disc disease symptoms, consult a physician for possible side effects and proper dosage.
