How quickly does degenerative disc disease progress?
The degenerative process of the spinal disc may start gradually or suddenly, but progresses over 2 to 3 decades from severe and at times even disabling bouts of pain to a state in which the spine is restabilized and the pain is diminished.
How do you relieve pain from degenerative disc disease?
Bed rest, or reduced activity, for the first 1 to 2 days after onset of severe pain, combined with anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen, and ice and/or heat therapy. Prescription muscle relaxant medications, as needed, for up to 1 week. Gentle stretching and aerobic exercise, for at least 3 times a week.
Is degenerative disc disease considered chronic pain?
Degenerative disc disease can cause severe, chronic pain that interferes with your daily activities. At SSM Health, our back and spine specialists understand how difficult it is to live in pain.
Can degenerative disc disease be debilitating?
Debilitating pain Without appropriate treatment, degenerative disc disease can cause lasting, debilitating back pain.
What is the best muscle relaxer for degenerative disc disease?
What is the best medication for degenerative disc disease?
| Best medications for degenerative disc disease | ||
|---|---|---|
| Robaxin (methocarbamol) | Muscle relaxant | Oral |
| Norflex (orphenadrine) | Muscle relaxant | Oral |
| Neurontin (gabapentin) | Neuropathic agent | Oral |
| Ultram (tramadol) | Opioid | Oral |
Is DDD serious?
Complications. Advanced forms of DDD can lead to osteoarthritis (OA) in the back. In this form of OA, the vertebrae rub together because there are no discs left to cushion them. This can cause pain and stiffness in the back and severely limit the types of activities you can comfortably accomplish.
What is the best treatment for degenerative disc disease?
– Rest or lifestyle modification. Certain activities might be more painful for the neck, such as craning the neck forward to look at the computer monitor or a specific swimming stroke. – Pain management with medication or injections. – Ice and/or heat therapy.
What can I do with degenerative disc disease?
Staying active and fit
How serious is degenerative disc disease?
With severe degenerative disc disease (SDDD), the spine becomes unstable. This instability can lead to neurological symptoms such as pain or injury to the spinal cord. Additionally, a person’s range of motion can be severely limited. Cases of SDDD may require surgical treatment to alleviate pain and stabilize the spine.
How do you treat degenerative disc disease?
Medication. Degenerative disc disease does not affect everyone in the same way.