Question 1

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 2

what are the tests for degenerative disc disease?

Accepted Answer

Degenerative disc: The most common test now done is the MRI, in some cases a CT scan can be also helpful

Question 3

is degenerative disc disease job related?

Accepted Answer

Unlikely: It depends on your job and on your discs. We all will have disc disease as we get middle aged or older. To what extent a job contributes is hard to know, unless you suffered a specific accident on the job causing an isolated disc herniation.

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

are degenerative disc disease and arthritis the same?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Degenerative disc disease (ddd) and arthritis are very similar, and often are considered the same. Arthritis, however, is a broader term that can include arthritis to any joint in the body and can include different causes, such as autoimmune, infectious, overuse, traumatic, aging, etc. Ddd is specific to the spine and refers to arthritis that is usually age or overuse related.

Question 6

are degenerative disc disease and arthritis the same thing?

Accepted Answer

Not same , related. : Degenerative disc disease or ddd, refers to a wearing down of the fibrous discs between the vertebral bodies of the spine.  Arthritis, usually refers to degenerative joint disease or DJD which means a wearing down of the cartilage on the end of the bones that form a joint.  Ddd can lead to arthritis or DJD of the facet joints of the spine.

Question 7

is degenerative disc disease in my back mean i have arthritis?

Accepted Answer

Not exactly : Your disk(s) are dry. The joints may still be ok.

Question 8

how do i know how much vicodin is used for degenerative disc disease?

Accepted Answer

Avoid!: Narcotics should have little, if any, use in the treatment of degenerative disc disease. There is not any good evidence that this class of medications help patients in the long term. Additionally, these medications are addictive.

Question 9

could severe cervical degenerative disc disease cause or contribute to tmj?

Accepted Answer

Don't see how: Although the same degenerative processes (arthritis) that lead to cervical degeneration can also affect the temporomandibular joint itself and cause erosion etc. I see no cause effect between the two. In fact, the latest partyline on what CAUSES TMJ is "We don't know."  BTW, TMJ is the abbreviation for the jaw JOINT.  TMJ disorder or TMD is the actual DISEASE category and condition.

Question 10

i have degenerative disc disease and can't walk. will i ever be able to walk again?

Accepted Answer

Maybe: It is impossible to give you a reliable answer without data.  For how long have you been unable to walk, how much the inability is due to weakness vs pain, what your spine imaging shows, are all critical factors.  Your phyisicans (who should be neurologists, neurosurgeons, or orthopedists, and perhaps rehab specialists) can best judge.

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Doctor answers about:

Supplements for degenerative disc disease

A member asked:

Can herbal supplements help to aid degenerative disc disease?

A member asked:

What are the tests for degenerative disc disease?

A member asked:

Is degenerative disc disease job related?

A member asked:

Best treatment for degenerative disc disease?

A member asked:

Are degenerative disc disease and arthritis the same?

A member asked:

Are degenerative disc disease and arthritis the same thing?

A member asked:

Is degenerative disc disease in my back mean i have arthritis?

A member asked:

How do i know how much vicodin is used for degenerative disc disease?

A member asked:

Could severe cervical degenerative disc disease cause or contribute to tmj?

A member asked:

I have degenerative disc disease and can't walk. will i ever be able to walk again?

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