Degenerative disc disease is a condition that results in back pain from natural wear and tear on the spinal column and spinal disc. The small discs between the vertebrae can tear or move out of place. Degenerative disc disease affects everyone; however, not everyone experiences symptoms. Those who do experience symptoms may have back pain that can also move down into the legs and feet. The Mayo Clinic states that surgery is usually not necessary for this condition because it can often be managed with more conservative treatments.
Ice Therapy
The first measure that you should explore to relieve your symptoms is ice therapy. Ice should be applied to your back or the area of your leg or foot that is causing you discomfort. Ice is an effective treatment because it can reduce the swelling around the soft tissues in your back that are inflamed, or around the nerve that may also be inflamed. Apply ice for 20 minutes, then remove the ice pack for 20 minutes. This cycle should be repeated multiple times throughout the day.
Heat Therapy
Heat is effective because it can relax muscles and other soft tissue that may be tight. This should relieve some of the spinal nerve compression that could be causing pain in your back or legs. Heat should not be applied until 48 to 72 hours after your symptoms start, states Medline Plus. You may also alternate between ice and heat therapy.
Pain Relievers
Over-the-counter pain medication is an effective treatment for degenerative disc disease. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as Aleve, Ibuprofen or Motrin, are preferred over Tylenol because they can reduce the inflammation in your back that is associated with degenerative disc disease. Follow the instructions on the drug label and take these as directed when you are experiencing pain or discomfort. Do not use these drugs for more than seven days without consulting your doctor because they may cause unwanted serious side effects, such as kidney failure.
Topical pain-relieving creams, such as capsaicin creams, are also effective in treating pain associated with degenerative disc disease. Apply the cream to the area that is causing you the most pain. Be sure to wash your hands after handling these creams, especially capsaicin creams, because these can burn your hands or other parts of your body that you touch.
Surgery
If conservative treatments fail, surgery may be necessary, according to the Mayo Clinic. Your surgeon may perform a spinal fusion, in which two or more vertebrae are permanently connected, or a disc replacement, where your damaged disc is replaced with a prosthetic. Always discuss your surgical history and current medical problems with your doctor before having surgery. Be sure to follow the rehabilitation plan given to you by your doctor or physical therapist.
