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How to Treat Degenerative Disc Disease

Learning how to treat degenerative disc disease should start with a clear understanding of what the condition is. As you discover more details about your condition, you’ll become familiar with the fact that a healthy spine is made up of strong vertebrae, protective intervertebral discs, ligaments, facet joints, small muscles, and tendons. As the body ages, the cartilaginous discs that sit between adjacent vertebrae begin to deteriorate. They may become dry, brittle, and prone to damage. This age-related deterioration of discs is generally termed “degenerative disc disease.”

Results of Disc Degeneration

There are several conditions that can be the result of degenerative disc disease, including:

• Herniated disc
• Bulging disc
• Thinning disc
• Bone spurs
• Spinal stenosis

Treatment Options

If your doctor has diagnosed you with any of these conditions, he or she will most likely recommend a course of non-invasive, conservative treatment to help relieve symptoms like numbness, tingling, traveling pain, localized back pain, or weakness. Pain medication, mild physical therapy, steroid injections, hot and cold packs, and rest are all ways to treat degenerative disc disease.

If symptoms persist, you may investigate the possibility of surgical treatment, such as:

• Disc removal
• Spinal fusion
• Artificial disc replacement

Click Here to see how you can get your life back in 5 days

These traditional, open spine procedures will come with several risks including infection, bleeding, and general anesthesia. Your surgeon may also ask that you stay in the hospital for several days after your operation, and total recovery could take up to a year. If you’re wondering how to treat degenerative disc disease without these risks, the experts at Laser Spine Institute (LSI) may be able to help.

At LSI, we specialize in minimally invasive procedures that are performed on an outpatient basis. We have had tremendous success relieving patients of the pain associated with everything from sciatica to spinal arthritis. If you would like more information,?contact us today for a free review of your MRI or CT scan.

Please note: Laser Spine Institute currently does not perform endoscopic procedures on the thoracic spine.