Question 1

are there any non-invasive treatments for degenerative disc disease? i want to avoid surgery as long as i can. is there anything non-invasive that can give me relief from my degenerative disc disease?

Accepted Answer

Degenerative : Degenerative disk disease is an anatomical finding on imaging studies.  It is most commonly found in the neck and in the back, when physicians ignore medical evidence and order studies like MRI scans and ct scans to evaluate patients' complaints of chronic pain in those areas.  After the anatomic finding is found, the words "degenerative disc disease" are often used to account for the pain.

The word invasive is pretty broad, and usually includes any treatment that involves something sharp.  Most people consider surgery to be invasive.  Some people consider steroid injections to be invasive.  By the same standard, acupuncture should be "invasive", but most people don't think of it as such.

Assuming that we are talking about chronic low back pain, the best available evidence seems to agree that surgery (typically spinal fusion) for low back pain isn't impressively more effective than nonsurgical approaches.

There are many non-invasive treatments for chronic low back pain that are supported (with varying degrees of strength and certainty) by the scientific method.

The best evidence supports remaining active and limiting bed rest.

Lesser-quality evidence supports:
-- not recommending to patients the use of special mattresses or lumbar supports.
-- not recommending to patients things like laser therapy, ultrasound, traction, or tens.
-- avoiding use of benzodiazepines, skeletal muscle relaxants, antiepileptic drugs, or narcotics.
-- short courses of nsaids or acetaminophen.
-- assessing and treating depression, which is common in patients with chronic low back pain.
-- supervised exercise therapy.
-- acupunture, yoga, spinal manipulation, massage therapy, or cognitive behavioral therapy.

Question 2

are there any non-invasive treatment for cervical herniated discs (degenerative disc disease)?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Physical therapy, cervical traction, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, chiropractic care, cervical epidural steroid injections are common options.   Check out spine-health.Com.

Question 3

i was recently diagnosed with degenerative disc disease and was told there's no treatment. is there anything to alleviate the extreme pain associated?

Accepted Answer

Degenerative disc di: Whoever told you that there is no treatment for degenerative disc disease is wrong. There are several treatment options available for degenerative disc disease although it is not curative. You should consult an orthopedic spine specialist or a neurosurgeon and get an evaluation done.. Remember to bring your previous imaging studies like MRI or ct scan with you when coming for consultation.

Question 4

best treatment for degenerative disc disease?

Accepted Answer

A sequence: Degenerative discs leak fluid which sets up a significant inflammation with pain and sometimes dysfunction of sensory and functional nerves.  Treatment includes rest, ice (not heat) and good physical therapy along with nsaids.  Steroid injections can sometimes help.  If the condition persists more than 3 months, surgery is sometimes needed.

Question 5

what are some treatment options for cervical degenerative disc disease?

Accepted Answer

Meds/Shots/Surgery: First line--medications (advil, aleve, (naproxen) etc.--avoid opiates if you can!) as needed for pain relief, ergonomic adjustments at work (good seating posture/distance from computer, etc.), gentle neck exercises.
Second-line: steroid+/- Lidocaine injections for pain not controlled with medications. These injections last from a few weeks to several months.
Third line: neck surgery. The results are mixed!

Question 6

what is the best treatment for degenerative disc disease.  i am taking pain meds now they do not help at all?

Accepted Answer

Regenerative med: Regenerative medicine may be the best treatment for degenerative medicine. A variety of interventional and non-interevntional options are  available other than pain pills. Discuss with your doctor.

Question 7

can herbal supplements help to aid degenerative disc disease?

Accepted Answer

No: Unfortunately it hasn't been studied. But my educated guess is no.

Question 8

what is the treatment for degenerative disc disease?

Accepted Answer

Non-surgical treat: Best to avoid surgery, if possible.  Use of physical therapy, massage, exercise, muscle relaxants, and pain meds can all play a role.  Acupuncture may help control the pain, and both osteopaths and chiropractors may assist rehab steps.

Question 9

my back hurting x-ray showed mild multilevel degenerative disc disease with multilevel anterior endplate osteophytes, meaning & treatment for this?

Accepted Answer

Diagnosis critical: There don't seem to be many physicians who have skills in diagnosing back disease.  Some rheumatologists and some physiatrists and some orthopedic surgeons, but the findings you describe are probably not the cause or related to the pain.

Question 10

i suffer with degenerative disc disease & taking paracetamol.  can i take herbal boswellia/turmeric/tartcherry along side until herbal 'kicks in' ?

Accepted Answer

Probably: There isn't any good data that suggests that the combination of the herbals/paracetamol should cause problems.  Be aware that the paracetamol can probably cause the most problems and that you should adhere closely with recommended dosing guidelines so that you don't damage your liver.

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Doctor answers about:

Herbal treatments for degenerative disc disease

A member asked:

Are there any non-invasive treatments for degenerative disc disease? i want to avoid surgery as long as i can. is there anything non-invasive that can give me relief from my degenerative disc disease?

A member asked:

Are there any non-invasive treatment for cervical herniated discs (degenerative disc disease)?

A member asked:

I was recently diagnosed with degenerative disc disease and was told there's no treatment. is there anything to alleviate the extreme pain associated?

A member asked:

Best treatment for degenerative disc disease?

A member asked:

What are some treatment options for cervical degenerative disc disease?

A member asked:

What is the best treatment for degenerative disc disease. i am taking pain meds now they do not help at all?

A member asked:

Can herbal supplements help to aid degenerative disc disease?

A member asked:

What is the treatment for degenerative disc disease?

A member asked:

My back hurting x-ray showed mild multilevel degenerative disc disease with multilevel anterior endplate osteophytes, meaning & treatment for this?

A member asked:

I suffer with degenerative disc disease & taking paracetamol. can i take herbal boswellia/turmeric/tartcherry along side until herbal 'kicks in' ?

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