Question 1

what is degenerative disk disease

Accepted Answer

Aging: There are disks in your spine between the bones, that function as a type of padding.  As we get older they dehydrate to some degree (degenerate).  As they do this they may also start to "bulge".  Depending on the degree nd location, this can put pressure on nerve roots causing symptoms.

Question 2

how to stop degenerative disk disease?

Accepted Answer

Can't stop it. : Speak to you dr. About exercises and physical therapy  to help reduce the pain, and pin nobly decrease the rate of recurrences of back pain due to DDD. This could progress to protruding or herniated disks. May need MRI if not already obtained.

Question 3

how harmful is degenerative disk disease?

Accepted Answer

Depends on severity: Ddd is something almost everyone will develop. Keeping a strong core can help stave off some of the symptoms and keep your discs healthier. If it gets really bad, it can lead to herniations, foraminal narrowing, and even central canal stenosis if serious herniations occur. That being said, some people have it and never even know until they have imaging for something.

Question 4

does everyone have degenerative disk disease?

Accepted Answer

Somewhat: Degenerative disc disease is wear and tear on the bones and discs...Sorta like arthitis.  Just as anyone who walks will eventually have some degeneration of the knees...Anyone who walks upright will eventually get some degeneration of the spine.  Actually the treatment is often the same as well - strengthening the muscles around the affected joints and maintaining flexibility.

Question 5

degenerative disk disease diagnosed at 21, what to do?

Accepted Answer

Core Exercises: Typically core strengthening exercises are the best to help relieve pressure and forces in the spine.  I would try and google some or look them up on youtube to see descriptions.  If you can do them yourself, wonderful otherwise ask your doctor to get a referral to a good physical therapist for further assistance.

Question 6

are there any diets that would help slow down degenerative disk disease?

Accepted Answer

Possibly...: But none proven through valid research yet. A diet rich in anti-oxidants can help decrease inflammation and degradation of connective tissue. There is a medical food called Limbrel which has some decent research stating that after 90 days its as affective as nsaids, but you would need to speak to your physician to see if its right for you. One of the best things would be healthy w/ weight loss.

Question 7

any pain remedies that you have found if you have been diagnosed with degenerative disk disease?

Accepted Answer

Many: There are many over the counter and prescription treatments for the pain that comes from degenerative disc disease (ddd).  The class usually used is non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (nsaids).  These include Aleve and ibuprofen.  Tylenol (acetaminophen) is a pain medicine, but not an nsaid.  Aspirin also works.  Sometimes, doctors will prescribe steroids (prednisone) or narcotic based meds.

Question 8

is surgery the only option for degenerative disk disease?

Accepted Answer

No: Meds, injections, physical therapy, weight loss if needed are all part of your treatment.

Question 9

does degenerative disk disease always progress up the spine?

Accepted Answer

No: It may remain localized to one or two specific areas.

Question 10

what are natural dietary cures for degenerative disk disease?

Accepted Answer

None: There are no nutritional treatments for degenerative disk disease.

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Doctor answers about:

Advanced degenerative disk disease

A member asked:

What is degenerative disk disease

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How to stop degenerative disk disease?

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How harmful is degenerative disk disease?

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Does everyone have degenerative disk disease?

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Degenerative disk disease diagnosed at 21, what to do?

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Are there any diets that would help slow down degenerative disk disease?

A member asked:

Any pain remedies that you have found if you have been diagnosed with degenerative disk disease?

A member asked:

Is surgery the only option for degenerative disk disease?

A member asked:

Does degenerative disk disease always progress up the spine?

A member asked:

What are natural dietary cures for degenerative disk disease?

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