Your Treatment Options for Degenerative Disc Disease

Did you know that 1/3 of people aged 40-59 have evidence of degenerative disc disease? If you have been diagnosed with degenerative disc disease (DDD), you may be feeling overwhelmed and frightened. You may not know what to do next or where to turn for help.

This blog post is here to provide you with information about your treatment options. There are many different treatments available for degenerative disc disease, and the best one for you will depend on the severity of your condition and your individual needs. In this post, we will discuss the most common treatments used to manage this condition.

What is Degenerative Disc Disease?

Degenerative disc disease is a condition that occurs when the discs between the vertebrae in your spine start to break down. Spine-Health explains that the term degenerative understandably implies that symptoms will get worse with age. However, the term does not refer to the symptoms, but rather describes the process of the disc degenerating over time.

They further explain that, despite what the name suggests, degenerative disc disease is not a disease. Rather, it is a condition where age-related wear-and-tear on a disc causes pain, instability, and other symptoms. This condition usually does not result in long-term disability, and most cases can be managed using non-surgical treatment methods.

Symptoms of DDD

The symptoms of degenerative disc disease vary from person to person, and can range from mild to severe. The most common symptoms include:

• Pain in the back or neck
• Stiffness in the back or neck
• Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet
• Reduced range of motion

Treatment Options

There are many different treatments available for degenerative disc disease, and the best one for you will depend on the severity of your condition and your individual needs. At Texas Spine and Sports Therapy Center, we specialize in non-invasive, drug-free treatments that provide long term pain relief and restore natural health. At Texas Spine and Sports Therapy Center, spinal decompression therapy is one of our most prescribed treatments, because of its effectiveness in treating conditions like DDD.

Spinal Decompression Therapy

Spinal decompression therapy is a non-surgical treatment that uses gentle, computer-controlled decompression to create negative pressure within the discs. This helps to draw in and rehydrate the disc, which can reduce inflammation and pain. By slowly and gently stretching the spine, spinal decompression relieves the pent up pressure within compressed discs and vertebrae.

What to Expect During Your Appointment

Your appointment will begin by your physician strapping you to the machine with a harness, which will position your back that will allow for optimal decompression. During the appointment, you should feel a gradual lengthening of your spine as the discs are relieved of excess pressure. While some patients do report some minimal discomfort with the first couple of sessions, it eventually subsides once they get acclimated to the treatment. If at any point during your appointment you feel too uncomfortable, you can simply push the safety switch to stop the treatment at any time.

For spinal decompression therapy, each session lasts for an average of 30 minutes. The best part? There is usually no downtime or additional medication needed. For best results, most patients will require about 20 sessions over the course of 4-6 weeks to heal properly. However, the frequency of prescribed therapy depends on your individual condition. Some patients require less due to the mildness of their symptoms, other patients require more due to the severity of theirs.

Other Treatment Options for DDD

In addition to spinal decompression therapy, there are many other treatment options available for degenerative disc disease. Some of the most common treatments that can be partnered with spinal decompression or used instead include: chiropractic care, physical therapy, and massage therapy.

Chiropractic Care

Chiropractors are experts in the alignment and function of the spine. When spinal bones called vertebrae move out of alignment, it can cause pain and other symptoms. Chiropractic care is a non-invasive treatment that uses hands-on manipulation and adjustments to help restore proper alignment. This can help to relieve pressure on the discs and vertebrae, as well as reduce inflammation and pain.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is a type of treatment that uses exercises and stretches to improve range of motion and strength. Therapists can also teach you how to properly move and exercise to prevent further injury. This is an excellent treatment option for those who have moderate to severe pain, as well as for those who want to improve their overall fitness level.

Massage Therapy

Massage therapy is a type of treatment that uses hands-on manipulation to help relieve tension and pain in the muscles. Massages can be relaxing, and they can also help to improve circulation and range of motion. This is an excellent treatment for those who have chronic pain, as well as for those who are looking for a way to relax and de-stress.

Make an Appointment with Texas Spine and Sports Therapy Center

If you are experiencing symptoms of DDD, speak to your physician about the best treatment options for you. At Texas Spine and Sports Therapy Center, we specialize in non-invasive, drug-free treatments that can help to relieve pain and improve function right here in Austin, Texas. Call us today to learn more!