Degenerative disk disease is a spine-related condition in which your intervertebral disks begin to degenerate, or break down. The Mayfield Clinic states that degenerative disk disease-related spinal changes often lead to arthritis, disk herniation, spinal stenosis and other health problems, and that most treatments for this condition are geared toward treating your pain. Before using herbal remedies to help treat your degenerative disk disease symptoms, discuss all possible treatment methods with a qualified health care professional.
Degenerative Disk Disease
The average person with degenerative disk disease, notes the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, is active, between 30 and 50 years old, and otherwise healthy. Some of the most common signs and symptoms associated with degenerative disk disease include back pain that is aggravated by prolonged periods of sitting; back pain that is made worse by lifting, bending or twisting movements; and pain throughout your lower back, buttocks and thighs. Daily workplace activities and sports injuries may cause this condition, notes the center.
Common Herbal Remedies
Several herbal remedies are commonly prescribed to help treat the pain and inflammation associated with degenerative disk disease and back pain, although not all herbs used for this purpose have been subjected to extensive clinical studies. In her book "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," nutrition researcher and certified nutritional consultant Phyllis A. Balch states that helpful herbs for this condition might include burdock, dong quai, oats, slippery elm and white willow bark. Devil's claw may also be beneficial.
Highlighted Remedy
Dong quai is a frequently prescribed herbal remedy in the treatment of degenerative disk disease. Dong quai encourages healthy blood circulation, notes naturalist and expert herbalist Ed Smith, author of "Therapeutic Herb Manual." Dong quai, notes Smith, also possesses anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic action, which may be helpful in treating the inflammation and muscle spasms that commonly accompany degenerative disk disease. This herb is commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat a host of disorders and ailments.
Disclaimer
Degenerative disk disease is a chronic condition that often worsens over time. Early diagnosis and treatment of this condition may yield optimal treatment results, but the use of any substance in treating this condition, including herbal remedies, does not guarantee a positive health outcome. Avoid using herbal remedies to treat this condition until you have discussed the possible health ramifications of these powerful natural substances with your primary health care provider.
References
- Mayfield Clinic: Degenerative Disk Disease
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center: Degenerative Disk Disease
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
- "Therapeutic Herb Manual"; Ed Smith; 2007
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